My guys, what's up. Here's the update and sorry for the joke XD. Enjoy.
Den was walking down a familiar path through the forest. He's mesmerized the path he has taken along with the land marks he always passed by.
The rotted tree where he would rest.
The crystal lake where he would gather water from.
And the cave that was shaped like a face which held some secret inside that he has yet to figure out.
All these things he has seen time and time again for the past few days, everything was the same...including the familiar figure he saw in the distance.
The shining scythes on the figures wrist were certainly something he has grown accustomed to seeing. It was Ito, and either he was delusional or he was gazing upon her dancing in the night.
"Why she does things like this, I'll never know." He said to himself.
He has yet to understand why she does the things she do but it was hard to deny the beauty of her movements as he continued to spectate. She was so calm and graceful as she moved with the air as if they were partners. Den could only imagine what she was feeling right now.
He took cover behind a bush so he wouldn't disturb such a scene. He wouldn't admit it but he was completely mesmerized by the sight, the only thing that would make it better is if she opened her eyes to reveal those green orbs.
It was always the eyes that got him...
He quickly duck under the bush to regain his composure. Why was he thinking like this? He needed to reevaluate himself and his goals along with his relation with her.
He's a Viking.
She's a Samurai.
They're enemies.
They both are working together to beat the Knights.
He has no attraction to her at all.
And he will finish this once this is all over.
He continued to remind himself of his goals as he peeked over the bush to watch more of the sight... only to find that she had vanished.
Den knew what was coming next. He has seen this time and time again.
"When did you get here and what're you doing?"
The voice came from none other than Ito as Den turned around to face her. From this position, he was still sitting on the ground. Ito had her usual smile as she had an idea of what he was doing,
"I just got here...and I was simply taking a small rest, I still have that injury."
She giggled which didn't seem like a good sign for him. He's horrible at lying.
"Sure you weren't spying on me? I wouldn't be mad~"
"Me?! Spy on you?! Don't make me laugh! Now, where's the outpost you were talking about."
"That's a good question..." She said as she began to walk towards him with cheer. "Where the could the outpost be?"
"I thought you knew where it was. That's the main reason I came out here"
"Maybe I do know where it is.~~"
Den was familiar with this game of bargain, it seems he'll have to play along if he wants to get supplies for his clan.
"Well... is there anything I can do to help you remember?" He tried his best not to grit his teeth.
Her eyes widen in glee as she tried to contain her giggle. She had a feeling he was willing to do something for this information.
"My... Your willing to do that for me? I knew you were thoughtful.~ Follow me and I'll show you what you can do." She said as she outstretched her hand to lead him.
Den decided to play along, the faster he completes her task, the faster they can get to the outpost. He took her hand and noticed the firm yet smooth feel to it unlike his dirty and rough hands.
He quickly threw that thought away as she began to lead him.
"This way my boar.~"
Through the Forest
The two dancers were walking hand in hand with Ito leading the way. Den wondered where they were going but was brought out of his thoughts a question.
"So, how do you know?"
"Know what?"
"When you have the animal spirit. I heard beserkers are usually possessed by an animal spirit when they fight."
"You know at a young age. At one point in our youth, we'll have a desire to be in the forest and there will be a place there to meditate along with the animal that guides us. We each have a different animal of course."
"Ohhh so what's your animal?"
"A wild boar."
"And it fits your nickname. To think you actually are my sweet boar.~"
"Boars can still be dangerous creatures if your not careful. They always get underestimated which always lead to the opponents downfall. I say this animal suit me well actually."
"You're not wrong."
"Well, What dark magic do you perform to get your powers?"
"Powers?"
"Yeah, like your craftiness and all that other mysterious moves you possess."
"If I tell you, it wouldn't be a mystery now would it.~" She said with a wink as they continued to walk.
"But I told you something about me! You and your craftiness knows no bounds!" Den was a bit furious.
"But, I'll tell you that it requires a lot of practice and you have to think ten steps ahead of your opponent." She revealed which Den hated to do.
"Sounds exhausting."
"It is but it's worth it." She said as she stopped in place. Den was about to ask what happened but his question was answered as she pointed at a tree.
What was so special about a tree.
"We walked all the way here just for a tree?"
"This tree has a rare flower at the top... maybe if I had the flower, I can remember where the outpost is.~" Her plan was finally in motion.
He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"So you want me to climb the tree and bring the flower back? Alright, consider it done." He said as he walked towards the tree.
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course, anything for my pesky demon." He said with gritted teeth.
"That's why I love you my sweet boar.~" That word still had a bit of an effect on him but he hid it well. He put down his weapons as he sat down.
All he had to do was climb the tree and bring back a flower. An easy task but he was still hurt from his recents battles.
He needed to tap into his animal spirit before he attempted this. Every time he did a task in the forest, it was only right to call on his sprits.
After a few seconds of meditation, he quickly got up and scaled the tree. The speed and power he showed off as he climbed was impressive. Ito watched in awe as her fellow dancer showed off his primal skills.
It was only a matter of time when he reached the top and found his prize; a flower which had a very dark green color with two petals. The color reminded him of her eyes as he picked the delicate flower.
A thought he quickly swept away.
As he retrieved the flower, he saw an opening through the leaves of the tree and there he found what seemed like a camp of some sorts.
He knew it was the outpost when he saw the flag with a helmet...just like the picture he had.
He climbed back down with equal speed and saw that she was meditating on a tree stump. He wondered if she even noticed if he was here yet. He started to slowly walk behind her to see if he could finally surprise her.
He outstretched his hand to touch and shoulders and-
"Did you get it?"
Damn it.
"Ah yes. A lovely flower for you and I also found out where the outpost is." He said as he handed her the flower. She looked at the flower with such joy and happiness.
"Thank you so much darling.~"
"It is no promblem... Wait, why didn't you get it? I'm more than sure that you're capable of climbing."
After hearing that, she was stunned for a bit but quickly recovered. She certainly didn't want him to know about her plan.
"I wanted you to get it so you were able to see the outpost."
"Oh... well, that makes sense." He said, little did he know is that the flower actually had a different meaning to Ito. It was something both of her parents did when they were young... she wondered if it would even work for her.
"What are we standing around for? She have supplies to steal from those cowards." Den said with newfound energy, it seems he still has some of that spirit left so.
"Oh right. Let's go." She quickly erased the uncertainties and proceeded towards the outpost along with Den.
Outside of the outpost
"Are you sure the supplies will last for us captain?"
"I'm certain. God has yet to fail us so keep your faith steadfast."
The outpost was basically a typical military camp. There were many crates filled with supplies inside the place along with a bunch of grunts and captains. There were no major heros or elite warriors such as wardens or lawbringers but there was an overwhelming amount of soldiers.
The two warriors took cover behind a tree outside the camp to plan their next move. It seems that they both had a different approach to this situation. Den wanted to raid the outpost with force and leave an impact while Ito was more for the silent get in get out approach which was beneficial due to their numbers
"We have to show them we are not weak!"
"You're not at your best and we're only here for the supplies. There no use in fighting a lost battle.
"You denying my desire to raid and fight!"
"I suggesting what's best for your safety."
"I don't even care for my safety! Why do you care?!"
"I already told you why.~" She said with a wink.
They needed to come to a decision soon or this will all be for nonthing. The supplies will either be used or moved to another outpost if they don't do anything.
Then an epiphany hit both of them. The two hero's had an idea that would fit their style and get all the suppplies silently while leaving their mark.
It seems the two had a silent understanding as they readied their weapons and went to their positions. Den gave off a deranged smile as Ito winked and covered her face with her shroud.
"Make sure don't break the supplies grunts. Who knows how long we have to stay in these lands for."
The orders came from one of the many captains who were responsible for setting up the outpost and equipment. The grunts we're hard at work as they followed the orders diligently. Everything was going smoothly until...
"Sir, where do you need this crate of food?" One of the grunts asked.
"Put it over there with th-!"
Thwap!
The order was cut short as the captains face was met with an axe. It hit directly in the middle of his face as the captains lifeless corpse began to fall down from his stand. The grunts and the rest of the captains looked towards the direction where the weapon came from.
They were met with a Beserker with a smile just as deranged as he juggled the other axe in his hand.
"Seize the murderer!" One of the captains shouted as the grunts quickly armed themselves and attacked the intruder. A significant number of grunts were no match for Den as he sliced and slaughtered his way through the crowd. He wasn't able to do as much damage since he was down an axe but he managed.
All that filled the air was the sound of grunts begging for their life's as the animal inside of Den enjoyed the slaughter.
After the failed attack of the grunts, the captains readied their weapons and prepeared themselves against Den. The Viking had other plans as he turned around and ran away. The captains were a bit confused by his change in tactics but gave chase as they followed him tbrought their outpost.
"Chase him!"
He was much faster than his pursuers due to his light armor and incredible stamina. The captains thought he would surely get away but he slowed down to a halt in front of the gate of their outpost. He turned to see that the captains were ready to take him down as they surrounded him.
"We got you right where we want you mongrel!" One of the captains said as they began to slowly walk towards him with there weapons drawn. It seems that captains have succeeded in capturing their intruder.
"Caught you!"
He said as puffs of smoke began to spread through out the area of the field. The captain who made the bold proclamation couldn't see anything... but he certainly heard everything.
He heard the cry of his allies along with the slicing sounds of weapons and he could've sworn that he felt something splash on his face, he was terrified to find out what it was. He began to back out of the smoke and tripped on a branch. He fell on his posterior and looked up to see the smoke clearing.
All he saw was a familiar deranged smile and a shrouded face with green eyes. He broke down at the sight of his two opppnents,
"P-P-Please don't kill me!!!!" He cried out in fear. The Viking walked up to him and grabbed him by the chest plate. The captain froze as he was face to face with a crazed man.
"If you value your life, leave this area and take your allies with you. If I ever see you around this forest again, I'll make sure your death is slow and painful as I chop you piece by piece." Den exclaimed as he threw the captain to the ground.
The knight got up and ran away quickly along with the rest of their army. The shiny figures along with the sound of clanking metal were but a memory as the knights ran away.
"That felt great! They'll surely remember my face for a while." Den said as he walked around the outpost to claim his rewards. The teamwork of these two were something to definitely take note of.
"Aww."
"What now shadow walker? I have people to tend too." He said as he gathered the supplies and put it in his sack.
"Leaving already?"
"Why not? I got what I came for so farewell for now."
Den loaded everything he could carry as he made his way out of the outpost.
"It's a long way back home you know. It wouldn't hurt to rest up a bit here." She suggested. She didn't want her plan to feel forced so she eased him a bit.
Den really didn't want to stay here any longer but his stomach along with his spirit fading decided against it.
"Try anything funny and I'll end you." He said as he laid down his sack. Ito was happy with his decision as she went through her reward.
The two warriors made conversation as they pulled out some fresh pieces of fruit and began to fill their stomachs to their hearts content. Den didn't notice that Ito was getting a bit closer until he noticed that she was sitting directly beside him. She had her shroud down to show off her head shaped face and that beauty mark she had, he would be lying if he thought her face wasn't appealing. While all of these features were interesting to look at, her green eyes always captured his attention every time.
"You're drooling a bit. See something you like?~" She said as he quickly came back to his senses and wiped it away. She giggled a bit at the display of his shock.
"Sorry, the food was very appetizing and I just couldn't help myself." A decent cover up which she saw through.
"So I'm appetizing to you?~" She always knew which button to press.
"N-No! I wasn't thinking that you demon!"
"Whatever you say Den."
He decided to change the subject. He was a bit curious of the flower she had him picked.
"So... what're you going to do with that flower?"
"Keep it as my own."
"That's it? There must be some reason you wanted me to get it."
Maybe it was time to put her plan into action.
"I heard this flower has some special properties." She said as she stood up to get the flower from her sack and examine it.
"Special properties?"
She nodded her head and after a few second, she smelled the flower. The aroma was sweet...
"I didn't know you were one for smelling flowers. I guess even demons have a soft side as well."
Ito said nonthing. She stood there in silence which was a bit unusual for her. She usually would've responded with a clever quip.
"Demon, are you alright?" He asked, he tried not to make it look like he was worried.
Ito still stood there with a straight face as she said nonthing, it almost seemed that she was paralyzed with the flower still in her hand.
"Alright, I'll just leave you to whatever you were doing." He said as he began to eat more of the fruit they raided.
*drip drip*
Den quickly turned around to see that Ito's nose was bleeding. It was a horrid sight as her face still didn't move as she dropped the flower.
"Ito, is something wrong? This isn't the time for tricks." He started to get worried as he got up.
Ito's nose continued to drip blood as her body slowly began to collapse. Den was quick to catch her as he tried to figure out what's wrong.
"Ito!" What's wrong?! Tell me!" He was frantic at this point. She was still dripping blood as her eyes slowly began to close. Den had no idea how to deal with whatever she did.
He quickly thought back to the flower. It must've been poisonous or something... Why did she have him pick a poisonous flower?
"Don't worry Ito, you'll be alright. I'll find some medicine and you'll make it through." He said as tear began to form in his eyes. He squeezed her hand and she squeezed back with little strength. He took a more comfortable position as Ito lied in her arms as they sat down.
He was losing her and there was nothing he could do about it.
Ito's mouth slowly curved into a small smile as eyes finally closed and her hands were going limp.
"Ito?" Den quickly checked for her heartbeat.
Silence.
He couldn't believe it. The demon that haunted him was actually gone.
"Ito...Ito! Wake up! Ito!"
She was unresponsive. Den shook her a little bit it was no use.
Ito was dead.
"Damn it!" He said as a few tears began to drop from his eyes.
This wasn't supposed to happen. The day she died was going to be the day when he would be relieved, but all he feels is pain. He still held onto her lifeless body as he cried in anguish.
It's been so long since he shed tears for someone.
"May the gods guide your way in the afterlife. You were a formidable opponent." His final parting words as he hugged her. He's not one for emotional partings but he'll make an exception for her.
He stood there for more than a few minutes as he still had her in his arms. He wondered how he'll be able to carry on withou-
"...he he."
Den was brought out of his anguish as he heard giggles. There was no way that could've came fro-
He was brought out of his thoughts as Ito wrapped her arms around Den with equal enthusiasm.
"Missed me?~"
Den quickly separated from her. He is very confused on what he's seeing and hearing right now.
"Are you a ghost!? I knew you were a demon!"
"No, it's me in the flesh."
"But... I saw your nose bleed and you fell! Your heart stopped beating! You were dead!"
"I know. This flower is certainly special." She said as she put her flower away.
Den quickly put everything together.
"You faked your own death on me?!"
"Guilty.~"
"You're so... I'm going back to my suppplies." He said as he went back to his sack of goods.
Ito couldn't believe that the flower actually worked. She rembered when her mother told her of its properties. Her mother told her this flower was the perfect way to see if someone cares for you, it worked wonders with her husband so Ito decided to try it. One's true emotions always show at the display of an untimely demise.
Ito was still conscious so she could hear and feel everything during her state. It brought her so much joy from how Den reacted.
As Den was checking his supplies, Ito got a bit closer and he was a bit hesitant to allow her.
"Don't come any closer or I'll end you." An empty threat from Den.
"Aww, I just want to apologize for scaring you. I didn't know you would react like that."
"I reacted like that because you died unexpectedly! It's not like I care about you or anything like that!"
She always enjoyed the challenge he gave her.
"Oh... So you don't care for me.~"
"I don't!" Den was wondering if that even was true anymore.
"Well your actions up to this point says you do."
"I have no idea what you're on about."
She was within striking distance. She wasn't going to lose her chance this time.
"What about the time we spent together?"
He stayed silent.
"How we fought together, came to each other's aid... how we danced under the moonlight just like so." She said as she grabbed his hand and led him under the moonlight. Den was weak to her plea as the two began to waltz slowly under the moonlight.
He forgot how...nice this felt.
Den was the one who took charge of the dance as Ito rested her head on him. It was nice to know that she didn't have to do the heavy lifting this time as their hands intertwined.
"Your heartbeat says you care about me as well.~"
After hearing those words, Den's mind began to race with questions. Why was he doing this? Why hasn't he killed her yet? What is she plotting? How will his people react to this? Should he-
"Den..."
He said nonthing as she gently tilted his head to her. He began to calm down at the familiar sight of her green pools. No matter what happens to him, her eyes were just something he could always fall back on. His movements began to slow down as he continued to gaze into her eyes.
"Why do you do this to me?"
"I already told you..." She inched her face closer to his. He could feel her breath from this distance,
"I do this because I love you."
"Then why can't I stop this? No matter what I do, I just can't stop this." He was looking only to her for answers. She smiled with joy as her cheeks became rosy. She knew why he wasn't able to do anything about it.
"That's because...you love me too."
Den was in disbelief. There's no way he has any genuine feelings towards her. She's the enemy and their alliance is only temporary. There's nonthing else to this relationship.
"I... I don't lo-"
His words fell short as Ito gave him a kiss. Den could feel all the confusion leaving his mind as he melted into the contact. After a few minutes, they slowly separated.
"Aww, my boar is blushing.~" She teased.
Den was conflicted. He wonder if this was the right choice. He thinks it'll be best if he goes back to his village. He knew things were going to get him serious if he stayed.
It was too late however.
"Are you sure you want to leave?"
"Wha- How did you know?"
"Because you are a simple man my cute boar.~"
"Well, Yes, I'm sure but I must return my goods to the village and I still have to finish what I started."
"...So do I.~"
Den was about to ask what she was talking about but her lips beat him to it. She hung on for longer as Den slowly stared to lose himself. They both deepened the kiss as their hands began to wander each other's bodies. Their kiss never broke as they stayed their under the night sky.
It seems that the dancers will learn a new dance this night...
My guys...sorry for the wait. Really liked making this one and I'm excited to see what the next chapter will be. You guys can tell if I change the rating. See you my guys.