Okage Densetsu - The Underachieving Sequel
Chapter 1 – The Tale She Was In
"Once, a long, long time ago," The voice smoothly spoke, a pale, snow-white hand lying across browned and stained pages, "There was a terrifying evil that rose over the land. This wraith of darkness came by the name of Gohma, soon holding the world under his wrenching grip. The skies became dark, and all things bright slipped away into black, and the people despaired."
The page turned softly. "The people knew that they had to do something about this great evil. But, try as they may, they were beaten down, the survivors forced to walk in Gohma's shadow. It was a final union of humans of all sorts that made the final march to the evil king's lair. They knew this would be the end for most of them, but they would at least die trying to free their kind. The king's dark army met them at the gates, and the battle of the Light began."
"The humans were outnumbered, but they had a plan…" The page turned again, the soft hand now holding her chin up, "The army was able to distract the enemy enough to allow entry to two people- a young warrior of strong will, and a quiet girl carrying nothing but a bottle. Slipping to the throne room, they found the king awaiting them with a smirk. He rose, bathing in the darkness his kingdom had created and laughed."
"'Fools,' said he, 'You truly believe you could sneak up upon me? You must be joking- a teenaged human wielding a weapon he can barely lift and a wimpy female? You're as good as dead!' The hero, unafraid, stepped forward, sword drawn. As the king laughed, the hero retorted, 'You're not that great yourself.'"
"Taking this as the start of the battle," The woman sighed, leaning back in the dusty chair, "The king charged forth, with powers of blazing fire. In the middle of the battle, the girl uncorked the bottle, and then climbed on top of the throne, casting her shadow across the two. The hero stumbled, and was instantly caught by the throat."
"'Ready to die?' The king hissed, his fangs shining. The hero, gagging, managed a sly smile, catching the king off guard. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the girl raise the bottle and then realized what was about to happen. Dropping the hero, and trying to send a ball of flame at the girl, the king was bathed in shadow as the girl suddenly dropped the bottle. The flame barely hit the girl's feet when the king began to writhe in pain!"
Sitting up again, turning the pages, the woman continued, "The girl screamed, as the distinct sound of ripping fabric filled the air. The shadow detached from before the girl as she fell backwards off the head of the throne, suddenly wrapping itself around the king. Soon, before the hero's eyes, the evil one was wrapped up in darkness, screaming in agony. The bottle had hit the ground, pointing straight at the figure- he was drawn within, and the hero grabbed the cork and sealed the bottle. The king had been sealed."
Her eyes became heavy. "The darkness swiftly disappeared from the kingdom, and the world shone. The hero, Hopkins, soon became known worldwide, all the while the girl lied behind the throne. In uncontrollable fits, she contorted and twisted, with only small pauses between acting as comfort. Slowly, her soul rotted away within her, and she vanished. The nameless woman was forgotten, but the hero would always been known for what he did. Thus, the kingdom was handed over to the royal family, ruled by Princess M…"
"Mother?" An unblinking eye stared across the room at her.
"Mar…."
"Mother?"
"Mar… grr!" With angry fury, she abruptly began tearing pages out of the book, the paper flying and slowly flittering down to the dirty, dusty floor. After there was nothing more to destroy, she fought to catch her breath in the horrifying rage that filled her senses.
"Mother!" The larger figure stepped forward, unsure of what to do. He blinked his eye, gently touching her shoulder.
"Oh my…" She laughed sickly, "Mother ruined your book, didn't she? I'm so sorry, dear, Mother will get you a new one." Her hand patted his arm lightly, her red eyes twitching, "As soon as we get a chance, okay?"
"Okay…"
"Well… letting that aside," She rose, her black hair, like silk, flowing behind her. "It IS about time we left, hm?"
"Left…"
"Your first time outside, my sweet son!" Her feet slowly shuffled in the thick dust to the front door. Reaching up, she began to undo the various locks across the door, smiling to herself, "And the first daylight I've seen for at least a thousand years…"
She pushed the wooden door open, and the morning light crept in. Children went past in the streets, laughing, as the curvy buildings towered around the abode. Stepping out, she squinted, looking up and down the street. Turning back to the door (where a sign, on the outside, read 'Hero Hopkins') she held her pale hand out, and began to coax, "Come, Raphiel! It is time for us to step outside… Don't fear, Mother will be right beside you."
From the darkness strode the massive figure, taking his mother's small hands into one of his own. She led him out into the light, the first he'd seen of the real world. He gasped, in amazement.
"It smells funny."
"Yes, yes it does," She brushed a loose strand of hair aside from her face, "And the design is moronic, but it doesn't do to complain about that now. Mother will fix that all later…"
Raphiel's shadow was visible behind him as he gazed about, but his mother stood in pure morning light, unfollowed…
"For they shall pay, and not in cash!"