Chapter Seven: Up Around the Bend
"... And we'll meet by the big red tree ..."
Narwhal woke up feeling strangely satisfied, she took a deep breath and stretched before realizing three things, of different importance. One: she was naked in bed. Two: Père David's Deer was sleeping with her. Three: the Deer was also naked.
-What just happened last night!?- Narwhal yelped confused, but then it all came back to her, stress and alcohol brought out her repressed lewdness and hidden desires onto this cute Deer.
-Good Morning…- Père David's Deer said yawning and burying her face in between Narwhal's breasts making Narwhal squeak.
Narwhal had never felt so embarrassed before, the conflictive feelings of satisfaction and guilt clashing inside, it made her feel like she was about to explode and turn back into Sandstar.
-You did well, I enjoyed this single night stand with you- Père David's Deer said giving Narwhal a soft kiss in the lips, it was all she needed to clear her mind, she grabbed the Deer hands and kissed her back. Enjoying one last moment together before they had to get dressed and be ready to continue their journey.
Narwhal couldn't help but stare at the Deer as she looked around for her clothes and started to get dressed, looking at her naked body brought back many memories of last night, which she would hold onto and cherish for the coming months.
-I won't resist the urge of getting back in the bed with you if you keep looking at me that way- Père David's Deer gave a warning to Narwhal, winking after putting back on her mask.
-I'm sorry… It's just that all of this is new to me!- Narwhal apologized, blushing hard and started to look for her clothes, which were shamefully near the door, so she had to walk naked past Père David's Deer putting on her boots making her stare.
-Narwhal you are still staring! I'm gonna wait for you outside- Père David's Deer said while looking for the key to open the door, she found it and waited for Narwhal to finally dress up.
Narwhal closed her eyes and smacked her own cheeks with her hands, she was now officially an "Adult" Friend, so she better started acting line one. She managed to get dressed and look proper, taking a deep breath before going through that door, but her happy "spicy" memories were about to be out of her head by worrying things that happened to others last night.
-Seems that while we were having fun together, some highly concerning things happened- Père David's Deer said looking somber, with their special Lucky Beast right there besides her.
-Was it Fenrir?- Narwhal asked, feeling a chill up her spine.
-A couple of Friends got killed last night, in one of the lower levels where Rhyo and Big Boss where waiting for us, both confirmed that it was indeed Fenrir- Père David's Deer explained to Narwhal as she shared the information Big Boss gave to her, as Big Boss spoke to Narwhal for the first time.
-This is the Room- Big Boss said as he showed a recording of the aftermath of the night, the room was a stained in blood and gore, it looked like a grim picture straight out of a horror story.
-She just doesn't relent ever- Narwhal said grimly to which Père David's Deer nodded in agreement, there was nothing else they could do for them, as Friends were no strangers to Death.
-Those poor bastards, we can't stay here and wait for Sivatherium or the killings will continue- Père David's Deer coughed as the talk turned serious, the group needed to make a decision before Fenrir killed again, they had to do something.
-But then it's going to come after us, we are running out of time and options, besides finally facing her- Narwhal said, she didn't feel like she or the others were ready, but until she was stopped, Fenrir would just keep on killing Friends unopposed.
-But that's not all! Apparently two of our party members are currently being haunted- Père David's Deer said looking quite concerned, Narwhal felt Seiryuu behind her, whispering to her.
-My Sisters are close, can you hear their voices?- The Azure Dragon's voice echoed through her entire being like a ripple, it always felt like an icy drop of water running through her spine.
-What was that?- Père David's Deer asked as her expression turned into one of dread, the voice she heard was like chalk on glass.
-It might be time for me to talk to you about something bizarre that happened to me, but first we should gather the group- Narwhal said sighing, it was finally time to explain why she was picked to join this group by Jinmengyo, this was gonna be fun.
-Even Piggy?- Père David's Deer asked amused, knowing that Collared Peccary was likely still soundly sleep, thankfully.
-Yes, even her- Narwhal was saying as she noticed Campo Flicker eyeing them two from a distance, the Bird averted her gaze when she saw Narwhal looking back, did she see "her"?
-Did you need something?- Campo Flicker approached shyly, steadily recovering her composure, speaking like a hostess.
-Could you go wake up our Pig? Tell her we need her on the room our Snake and Bird are staying- Narwhal pleaded to Campo Flicker but the Bird didn't look at her, she looked past her for something that wasn't there, it was then when Narwhal knew that Campo Flicker had seen "her" and was scared of it.
-Right away!- Campo Flicker bowed respectfully and flew off.
-You seem to have scared her in someway, or maybe she just heard us moaning last night, you little beast- Père David's Deer commented giggling, making Narwhal blush hard and squeak.
-Don't tease me with that! Please! Don't tell the others either!- Narwhal begged, holding back tears and pouting, such vulnerability surprised the Deer as much as plead of silence.
-Alright, alright! I won't tell anyone, please calm down- Père David's Deer said as she held Narwhal's hands, even with the Deer's gloves in the way, this managed to calm Narwhal down.
The two Friends began walking to the shared room with two beds that Boomslang and Bald Eagle stayed at for the night, they were close to the door when Père David's Deer felt chills up her spine, like the ones Friends felt when danger (usually in the form of a Cerulean) was very close by. She stared back at Narwhal who was stoic and silent as per usual, feeling reassured seeing that Narwhal was calm she knocked on the door, calling for the Bird and Snake before entering the room.
As they heard no response after a minute of waiting, they entered the room to find each of their Friends sitting in fetal position on a different corner, the sight would be actually pretty funny if it wasn't for the fact the room was very cold.
-What's going on in here!?- Père David's Deer asked but neither of the Friends replied, as she stepped into the room she felt two unknown presences looking at her, then Narwhal stood in front of her and did something that surprised every Friend.
-Seiryuu!- Narwhal called out loud as she raised her spear, from it a Cerulean Astral Beast manifested in the form of a Blue Dragon, it looked around as two other beasts manifested and stared at her. From both Boomslang's and Bald Eagle's backs.
-They are back!- Boomslang and Bald Eagle screamed together in terror, the Friends covered their faces and sobbed as the beasts were dangerously close to them, one was a Black Turtle with Snake-Tail and the other was a Red Bird but without legs.
-Sacre Bleu!- Père David's Deer exclaimed surprised, realizing that the presence and whispers she felt during her dreams after sleeping with Narwhal weren't her usual nightmares of her past, there was something strange actually in their bedroom.
-Did I arrive at a bad time?- Collared Peccary asked as she entered the bedroom, this was the weirdest scene she had ever seen.
-No! Your timing is just right, just calm down and let me explain this to all of you, they are harmless calm down- Narwhal tried to explain it as her Blue Dragon seemed to be talk silently to the other two Cerulean Beasts, who were trying to comfort the Friends they were linked to, without success.
-Boomslang, Bald Eagle, calm down and listen to Narwhal- Père David's Deer said reaching out to hold the hand of each of the Friends she called to, the Ceruleans Beasts looked at the Deer and didn't hurt her, this as well as the hand-holding brought great comfort to the Bird and Snake who were now listening.
-These Beasts are what remains of three out of the 4 Goddesses- Narwhal was explaining when the shouts of surprise of all the Friends in the room interrupted them her.
-What the fuck!?- Collared Peccary said in complete disbelief.
-Seiryuu, Suzaku and Genbu- Père David's Deer said while pointing at each of the beast, which nodded in approval, causing the Pig, Snake and Bird to squeak in surprise again.
-Where is the Tiger?- Bald Eagle asked, remembering the religion classes she had with her two best Friends in Riukiu.
-Byakko? I'm currently looking for her, Seiryuu told me she felt her Sisters were close, now we just need to find her and we could stand a chance at beating Fenrir in battle!- Narwhal said but the Friends looked less than enthusiastic about her idea.
-We are not ready, not even close, I don't think those two can even get their… These Beasts to obey them- Père David's Deer said not wanting to risk pitting her two Enfants again against a natural born-killer like Fenrir, they likely wouldn't stand a chance and while she really wanted to kill that Wolf, revenge was a dish best served cold.
-Are you sure this is how it's supposed to be? Just how did those Things link themselves to our Friends? Are they now stuck with them forever?- Collared Peccary asked confused.
-Fenrir will keep on killing until we stop her, tell them what happened, they will know what is the right thing to do!- Narwhal said to Père David's Deer which sighed in frustration.
-Fenrir attacked a couple staying at the lodge last night, she made mince-meat out of both of them, she has caught up to us already- Père David's Deer informed the other Friends about it.
-Who were the unlucky snacks?- Collared Peccary asked Père David's Deer, who rolled her eyes and whispered the names to Piggy, the Pig was shocked and whispered back to the Deer.
-We should run!- Bald Eagle said alarmed, to the surprise of every other Friend, she was terrified of facing Fenrir again.
-We can't just let it kill other Friends unopposed- Boomslang told Bald Eagle, who avoided her gaze, ashamed of herself.
-As we stand right now, we can't stop her, only Narwhal here could stand up to her- Père David's Deer said bringing up the unavoidable fact, that they weren't ready, and that it would end in a tragedy.
-Not only her- A new Friend joined the conversation, who just had sneaked into the room entirely unnoticed, it was the Mysterious Friend who was eyeing Narwhal funny last night.
-You are… Smilodon- Père David's Deer said recognizing the legendary Swordsman, her deeds assisting the Order were famous, those empty blue eyes recognized Père David's Deer.
-Shifuzou- Smilodon replied bowing respectfully to the Deer.
-It's been over two decades since someone called me that, uncanny… - Père David's Deer said a bit scared, she didn't want to talk about her past to her new Friends, specially not about her "exploits" as a Spear of the Courageous Chivalric Order.
-You two know each other?- Narwhal and Collared Peccary asked quite surprised, then looking at each other amused, having both of them asked the same thing at the same time.
-Only by reputation- Smilodon replied, eyeing Narwhal with particular interest, she could hear Byakko whispering to her.
-Smilodon and her gang helped the Order on numerous occasions, they were dubbed "The Deadlights", due to all of them being extinct- Père David's Deer recalled herself giving them that nickname, once their fame grew beyond their Island, given all of them had empty eyes and crushed the Ceruleans.
-I never really liked that nickname- Smilodon muttered, Père David's Deer heard her and gave her a pout over the dislike of the group's nickname, Smilodon paid no heed to the Deer.
-You have an Astral Guardian, right?- Narwhal asked Smilodon who nodded silently, Narwhal could feel Byakko standing behind Smilodon, as the White Tiger of the west manifested.
-We can try to ambush Fenrir, if we scare her off and then make a run for it, we can bait her into following us until we got the advantage to take her down- Byakko spoke up, to the shock of every Friend in the room, besides Narwhal of course.
-The fact your Astral Guardian can speak means the bond between both of you is very powerful!- Narwhal said quite impressed, as she could have never managed to let Seiryuu speak out loud, she could only subtly whisper things to her.
-Shut up! You are talking nonsense- Smilodon said visible flustered at Narwhal's comment, while Byakko laughed it off.
-I think you should ask them outright if we can tag alongside them, it's clear that this is what Jinmengyo intended- Byakko said to Smilodon, but out loud, so everyone could hear her.
-I hate you so much Byakko- Smilodon said and facepalmed in a way that made most of the Friends to burst out in laughter.
-Do not bully her please!- Boomslang said defending Smilodon.
-Looks like our party just keeps on growing!- Bald Eagle clapped excitedly, but Smilodon fulminated her with a glare.
-Now don't get the wrong idea, I can help you and you can help me, but it's too soon to consider me part of you group- Smilodon said before she pulled out her Amulet, which now had four of it's six symbols shining brightly, in the colours of each of the Cardinal Goddesses Present: white, red, blue and black.
-What is that?- Collared Peccary, Boomslang and Bald Eagle asked in unison, there was a certain feeling of dread that all of them felt, when looking at the Amulet
-"The Eternity's Amulet", the most sacred, powerful and legendary relic of Japari Park- Père David's Deer said, remembering all the stories she heard about it, back when Japari Park was still open and Humans took care of Friends.
-How come you know all this?- Narwhal asked very confused.
-I'm old enough to remember when the Park was open, just like Smilodon here present, the Humans in charge called me "Shifuzou" as she did earlier- Père David's Deer said as she glared angrily at Collared Peccary, who was laughing at her.
-So… If I get this right… You are old? OUCH!- Bald Eagle came to the rather obvious conclusion, which earned her a very fast staff smack in the head, by the Deer whom she just called old.
-Who are you calling "Old"!? Enfant!- Père David's Deer to Bald Eagle, who just walked back and whimpered rather comically.
-So what's that shiny little trinket for?- Collared Peccary asked, as Boomslang besides her nodded, also very curious about it.
-That's a talk for another day, but rest assure Fenrir will come after us when she sees that I have this- Smilodon explained herself as she hid the Eternity Amulet under her clothes again, her empty blue eyes observed the other Friends around her respectfully bowing to her, she felt welcome by her new allies.
-We can set up a trap for her and take her down- Byakko said adding to what Smilodon just had said, the White Tiger clearly was in the same wavelength as the Ronin, the other three Friends with Astral Guardians wanted to be like just them.
-RED ALERT! RED ALERT! An Enemy is in the Lodge!- Big Boss warned the Friends, whose expressions changed from the joy of making a new Friend to turn into worry, dread and anxiety.
-What The Fuck!?- Collared Peccary cursed knowing that Lucky Beasts like Big Boss wouldn't make ever make a joke thing.
-It's day time!- Boomslang pointed out quite exasperated.
-Inside here, there are plenty of ways for her to avoid the sunlight… And slaughter everyone inside!- Narwhal said getting ready for combat and walking out of the room, Smilodon followed her and covered her back, unsheathing her saber.
-It can't be Fenrir, but there are many like her out there, be on your guard- Smilodon warned as she moved forward seeking for the enemy, while she had Byakko watching her back, Narwhal was impressed by her and decided to not lag behind.
Back in the room Père David's Deer looked at Collared Peccary who looked back at her seriously, they both knew what they had to do, Boomslang and Bald Eagle felt the tension in the air.
-I'm gonna need you to prepare Rhyo and get these two ready to leave, if worse comes to worse try to get whatever supply you can get, I gotta watch those two don't get hurt- Père David's Deer said twirling her staff and rushing after Narwhal and Smilodon, she didn't knew if she could do much in a fight vs a Fiend, but she could always resort to healing her Friends.
-Always leaving me behind... You two come with me, we need to be ready to go as soon as they return, if they do return- Collared Peccary said in a deadpan tone that left no room for answer, both the Snake and Bird followed the Pig as they rushed to meet with Campo Flicker and find out the situation.
Père David's Deer rushed around the corner to try to catch up to her two Astral Guardians, she found them slowly advancing and using their Beasts to watch their rears, she joined them and understood why they headed towards the top of the Lodge.
The further they went up, the air carried the scent of blood freshly spilled, Smilodon and Narwhal covered their Healer as they moved up, finally finding traces of a Fiend's handiwork, blood stains were all around, a Friend had fought to the end.
-Looks like those two below weren't the only ones killed today- Père David's Deer said as she tried to avoid stepping on any blood pools, as had a bit of a trauma with blood, she found it disgusting after failing too many times to wash it off properly.
-The enemy we face is not Fenrir, that's for sure as she feeds and then sleeps through the day, it seems she brought one of her minions to cause a murder and keep us here- Smilodon said, trying to guess their plan, based on her past experiences.
-I'd say Two Friends, it's too much blood to be of just one- Narwhal said using her Water Magic to inspect the blood, she recognized it and prepared her spear for an incantation, they were dealing with a Fiend who fought two vs one and won.
The blood trail lead them to a room near the top of the Lodge, it had no illumination so they prepared for battle as they slowly tried to sneak in close to it, but then they saw the door open and saw two heads rolling from the room to where they stood.
-Cheeky, aren't ya, trying to sneak up on me- a high-pitched screech comes from the cave as the Friends jumped back in a defensive formation, the Fiend came out to greet them merrily.
She was a Bird of Prey, she had brown headwings, piercing red eyes and very long silky silver hair. She wore a fluffy brown bikini as well as armbands and leggings that resembled feathers, that left her hands and feet exposed. She flew out of the room and revealed some sort of ghostly energy talons she controlled through her hands, she cackled as she used her talons to pick the Friend's decapitated heads from the floor.
-Oh no, it's the…- Père David's Deer muttered when she was interrupted by the Fiend in front of the group cackling madly.
-Those annoying Owls, the so called "Leaders" of this Island, they didn't stand a chance before my talons- The Fiend said as she lined up the heads in front of her and crushed them together with her talons, into a pulp of bone, blood and gore.
-You dare!?- Narwhal roared angrily at defiling the remains of a pair of Friends whom had given their all for Kyoshu Island, her Water Magic protected the group from being covered in gore.
-I'm Harpy and I'll be the one to end your journey- The Fiend presented herself with a respectful bow and a bold statement.
Smilodon, Narwal and Père David's Deer faced a tough battle, as the first Fiend of many stood before them with a bold boast, they would need to hang together or they will hang separately.