Chapter Nine: Lookin' Out My Back Door.
" … Look at all the happy creatures dancin' on the lawn … "
Collared Peccary breathed nervously as her co-pilot this time was Bald Eagle, the incident that she had attacked Boomslang to feed on her was still fresh on her mind and it didn't help Bald Eagle wasn't talkative as per usual, she was looking away and sulking on her seat as if she was very scared of the sunlight.
-Are you alright there, Bird?- Collared Peccary asked as she took her eyes from the road for a moment to check on Bald Eagle, who briefly stared back the Pig before looking away.
-I'm fine, it's just the sunlight, it's making my eyes hurt- Bald Eagle answered as she kept sulking in her seat looking away.
-I think there is something we can do about that- Rhyolite barged into their conversation, knowing of an easy solution.
-You got an idea to help her Rhyo?- Collared Peccary asked the AI, hoping it would go and explain it in depth, as he always did.
-I can provide her with an protective accessory for her, that should lessen the impact sunlight has on Bald Eagle's eyes- Rhyolite explained as Collared Peccary keep focusing on the road ahead, Bald Eagle took a small peek before the Sunlight pushed her away and saw the projection the AI put for them.
-Sunglasses?- Bald Eagle asked curious, for some reason she liked them, finding herself attracted to the idea of using them.
-Yes, I have a pair in my storage, they lost their owner so maybe they can lead you to a better fate- Rhyo joked back.
-Hang in there Bald Eagle, we'll get right on it when I stop this APC, I'm looking forward to napping too- Collared Peccary giggled to herself, driving while other slept was getting to her.
-How do you manage to go on without sleeping for so long? I'd be useless without my eight to ten hours of sleep- Bald Eagle said giggling too, even though as of late, she felt a lot more comfortable during night-time than she felt during day-time.
-You should try going at night and sleeping during the way, might make for fun moments, you'd be able to spy others sleeping or dig through their stuff- Collared Peccary suggested, actually considering how fun that would be, if she didn't spend the time others were sleeping behind the Diamondback wheel.
-Why would I want to do that? That sounds like it would be very embarrassing for them!- Bald Eagle asked very confused.
-It's no wonder Boomslang started looking at you that way, you are a total babe- Collared Peccary said looking at Bald Eagle for a moment, before focusing on the road ahead again.
-W-Wha-What are you talking about!- Bald Eagle asked confused, she curled up in her seat and blushed very hard.
-I think what Piggy is trying to say is that you very attractive- Rhyo explained it to Bald Eagle, the Bird was happy she had reasons to look away, hiding her embarrassment from Piggy.
-Yeah, your meat is stacked in all the right spots, you know?- Collared Peccary was explaining herself when Bald Eagle squeaked so loudly that she decided to not pursue the subject of discussion anyone, she still glared at Bald Eagle from time to time, feeling confident in her statement after about her curves.
Bald Eagle sulked embarrassed in her seat and almost fell asleep, then the Diamondback stopped and she stretched and yawned trying to stay awake, as she saw Collared Peccary rushing back to prepare her some soft pillows to sleep on.
-Rhyo, where are her Sunglasses?- Collared Peccary asked the AI on board, she kept piling up the pillows that she had put some perfume on them, the sweet scent of it filling the room.
-Bald Eagle look for them in that safe lock-box, I unlocked it for you, there should be hopefully one of them your size- Rhyolite instructed Bald Eagle using a laser pointer to an open lock-box.
Bald Eagle looked around and found a lot of curious stuff in there, though most of it were stuff she couldn't read like written papers and plastic cards, she eventually found a couple of things that got her attention that she pulled out of the box.
-You might want to put the gun down Bald Eagle, it won't do any of you any good, just leave back in the box ok? You got what you want in the other hand- Rhyolite addressed Bald Eagle as she was about to look into the gun's barrel, the Bird obeyed the AI, pulling out a container and locking the lock-box.
-Something about that thing felt very familiar to me! Like I… Nevermind- Bald Eagle rambled for a moment before opening the container, she was that there was several type glasses in there, but she recognized what she was looking for instantly.
-Hey! They actually look good on you, now go out and find the others, Deerie wanted to discuss important things with the group- Collared Peccary said as she laid down among the pillow, waving to Bald Eagle before finally resting her eyes.
-Sweet dreams!- Bald Eagle said as she walked down the open ramp on the back of the APC, she adjust her Sunglasses and was happy to see that they helped her eyes to endure sunlight.
-Hey! Bald Eagle, over here!- Boomslang called to her as she saw the Bird coming out of the Diamondback's rear ramp door.
-So, what's up?- Bald Eagle asked noticing everyone was looking at her Sunglasses, she smiled with confidence at them.
-Those do look good on you- Narwhal commented cheerfully.
-Thanks, they are to protect my eyes from the Sunlight, it has started to bother me as of today- Bald Eagle commented, willfully letting know the others that she would keep them up to date with the changes to her body, as she trusted all of them.
-Well, since all of us are here now, Smilodon why don't you have your "Astral Guardian" tell everyone else here present what she told me in private?- Père David's Deer sighed, Bald Eagle noted she looked tired, as if she didn't sleep last night.
-You heard Byakko?- Smilodon called to her Astral Guardian.
-I'm sure you have noticed I'm stuck on this beast form, while my sisters can only communicate with their user or not at all, this is tied up to the Sandstar Volcano… Where we made the ultimate sacrifice over thirty years ago for Japari Park- Byakko recalled that moment very clearly in her mind, the finest hour.
-That was around the time the Humans left this place, when it became too dangerous and they evacuated all their Island complex, when Ceruleans poured out of the newly terraformed Sandstar Volcano- Père David's Deer explained to Boomslang and Bald Eagle, who were too young to know about this story.
-Carry on Byakko, but do get to the point, we gotta get it done and keep moving- Smilodon urged Byakko to spare them the story lesson, they had urgent work to get done before sunset.
-We need to open the Sandstar Volcano again, for us Gods to slowly recover our old strength, Ceruleans will pour out and be born in numbers again but so will Friends too- Byakko cut straight to the chase and laid down the following course of action they would take, to the shock of all the Friends present.
-But that means the first Ceruleans to come out will come after us!- Boomslang said terrified, the Snake felt Genbu behind her, as if her "Astral Guardian" knew she would need her support.
-We have their blessings, we need to stand up to the challenge, if we can't survive this trial then we have no chances of beating Fenrir!- Narwhal sentenced as Seiryuu stood proudly by her.
-I'm afraid we don't have a choice, don't you wanna see what our Astral Guardians are capable of Boomy? This might be the ideal trial ground for you and me who have never fought with them backing us up!- Bald Eagle reached out to hold Boomslang's hand, to her pleasant surprise, she allowed her to do so and gave her the pretty smiles she was well known for.
-I suppose you are right, we have to rise to the challenge!-
Boomslang said trying to motivate the team, they had come this far and they had the Gods on their side, they would be ok.
-It's good to see you still get along so well, I want you to work in pairs, Narwhal and Smilodon compliment each other really well and you two have the ideal matching elements to follow through their lead, I'll be on the back ready to shoot healing sparkles into anyone badly hit… Sounds easy enough, right?- Père David's Deer explained her plan out loud for all present.
-That sounds doable in my opinion, but we should hurry, we don't want to be caught exhausted or injured by Fenrir- Smilodon addressed the group one last time before they started to climb, Byakko helping Smilodon by appearing briefly.
-You heard her, let's go!- Père David's Deer called as she clapped her hands together and followed Smilodon's ascend.
Narwhal followed them using her Spear to help herself climb a bit easier, she wasn't good at climbing and wished she could use Seiryuu make this easier on herself, just like Smilodon did.
-What about Piggy?- Boomslang asked concerned about her.
-Are we gonna leave her down here sleeping alone?- Bald Eagle joined the concern, even inside of the APC she was in danger.
-I'd rather not get her more involved into this mess, I'm stuck with you over Riukiu Island as well as a personal grudge, I'm your Healer but she isn't anything but our driver and it will remain that way... Now get a move on!- Père David's Deer ordered them in a tone that left no room for any sort of reply.
Boomslang and Bald Eagle started to climb too, The Snake quickly catching up to the others while the Bird lagged behind, Bald Eagle blushed as Boomslang reached out to help her by lending her tail and easily pushing up to where she stood.
The group moved together in their uphill ascend, the Volcano's shape made it fairly easy to walk up, without needing any sort of equipment or skill when it came to climbing, Bald Eagle nonetheless regretted the fact she couldn't fly to the top by herself due to her injuries, which still had not fully healed yet.
They eventually reached a point where they walked past a few husks of human vehicles, Bald Eagle stared at them and felt like they gave her a headache, like she was trying to remember where she had seen them before but nothing came back to her.
-Do not dally Bald Eagle, we are very close now, we have to stick together- Smilodon called to her and the Bird saw Byakko manifested and was looking at her, it felt like they were one.
-I'm coming- Bald Eagle answered while giving one last look to a particular big vehicle husk, it had a strange triangular shape, it was special and she wanted to know more about its origin.
After one last push, the group had many made it to the summit, more than one of the Friends feeling quite exhausted. The awe of the strange crystalized formations sprouting from the Volcano's crater was short lived however, as they didn't climb this far to sight see, they looked around and found what they were seeking hiding amidst sandstar dust all around the Volcano summit, after awhile they found the Goddess Tablets.
The Goddess Tablets were forgotten holy relics that were once used to control the flow of Sandstar from the Volcano's crater, to Kyoshu Island and then to the rest of Japari Park as a whole, while that helped new Friends to be born it was something that the Humans tried to handle in moderation, as it also created new Ceruleans, whenever new Friends were born they raised.
-What do we do know?- Boomslang asked and made sure each Friend that had an Astral Guardian was holding onto the correct matching tablet, which took far longer than it should ever had.
-Now we just let them do their thing- Smilodon answered her.
The 4 Gods manifested on their own and Smilodon's amulet started to shine brightly in four different colours, in one moment the tablets were gone and the Gods vanished again.
-Well, that was rather quick!- Bald Eagle said holding back a laugh, she felt she wasn't the only one feeling this way, as she eyed Boomslang who winked to her and both giggled together.
-That was the easy part, now comes the fun part, everyone ready?- Père David's Deer asked around, the Deer started to feel tense, she wasn't sure what kind Ceruleans or how many would come out once she undid the final seals keeping them down there, but she knew they didn't had any choice anymore.
-As ready as we'll ever be- Smilodon said after she looked around and saw all four Gods manifesting and moving together to remove the seal over the Sandstar Volcano's crater entirely.
Within mere moments they saw several Ceruleans crawl through the square sandstar spires, they had three limbs like sharpened blades, a circular body with a crest to protect it's stone and a single eye that glowed red, like it's unending hatred for all life-forms beyond themselves. They were the Dark Hunters, Hunter-Cells to be precise, which brought Père David's Deer stressful bad memories of her past Wild Hunts.
-Don't let them get close!- Père David's Deer managed to give one order before she felt really sick, she dropped her staff and barely managed to turn away from the group before vomiting.
-Are you okay!?- Bald Eagle and Boomslang asked in unison, to which she only answered by pointing to the Volcano's Crater.
Bald Eagle sent her feathers down there, but she quickly discovered they had little to no effect on the Dark Hunters, she looked at Boomslang that didn't know what to do. meanwhile Narwhal used Seiryu's water magic to slow down their ascend, by making the terrain slippery, Smilodon used her sword to attack them with razor wind slashes, which managed to kill some of the foes which disappeared in Sandstar explosions.
-They just keep coming!- Narwhal yelled feeling the pressure, in spite of their initial success, more Dark Hunters swarmed out of the Volcano's Crater, like angry bees from an stirred hive.
-I'm sorry you had to see that, Bald Eagle and Boomslang, call your Astral Guardian and use their powers, now before we are overwhelmed!- Père David's Deer apologized for her gross display of stress before going back to pressuring those two, she stood with her staff in hand again and turned it into her bow, ready to shoot doses to enemies or healing shots to her allies.
-I don't even know what I can even do!- Boomslang said holding back tears as she saw the Dark Hunters coming closer.
-Let her talk to you, even if others can't listen her, you will be able to do so- Narwhal told Boomslang while focusing on making the uphill ascend of the enemy as slippery as possible.
-Suzaku! Talk to me, I need your help- Bald Eagle said out loud, feeling the Vermillion Bird manifest behind her, they looked each other into the eyes and Bald Eagle felt her trying to communicate with her, but she still couldn't hear her voice.
-Go…- Suzaku whispered into Bald Eagle's ear, Bald Eagle felt chills up her spine and wasn't sure what she meant by that, but then it fell on her just as the Dark Hunters were getting close to climbing out the Sandstar Volcano's Crater and striking back.
-What are you doing Bald Eagle!?- Boomslang asked terrified when she saw her Friend jumping into the Sandstar Volcano.
Bald Eagle didn't listen to her however, as she felt Suzaku's thought filling her mind as she jumped into the Crater, being drive to stand above the Dark Hunters and to purify them all.
-Hellfire…- Suzaku spoke to Bald Eagle in a mere whisper between the winds, as fire consumed the bandages on Bald Eagle head, they spread their wings and then struck together.
Bald Eagle Feather projectiles were ignited by Suzaku's flames as they rained down over the Dark Hunters, noticing this Smilodon used her razor-wind to fan the flames, an immense inferno consuming the enemy fully stopping their advance.
From the smoke and ruin emerged several Big Black Ceruleans, like the one in the story about the Legendary Human Friend that Narwhal heard Jinmengyo tell around a campfire more than once, she knew it was time to unleash Seiryuu's power.
-Have a drink on me!- Narwhal said as rain fell down upon the Big Black Ceruleans, who began to crumble and further slow down the Ceruleans advance, the battle was going smoothly.
-Here they come!- Smilodon warned as something few had seen and lived to tell the tale manifested before the Friends.
It vaguely resembled an odd mix of the other Dark Hunters into a deceivingly smaller form, but Smilodon and Père David's Deer bitterly remembered them as inexorable harbingers of death that claimed the Sandstar of anything who stood in their way. They were the Complete Form of the Cerulean Dark Hunters.
-Leave them to me- Smilodon said as she swung her blade into a wide arc, from right to left using all her weight to add power to her slash, the swing caused a shockwave of wind as the razor wind cut through anything in its path, the huge explosions of sandstar being visible all through Kyoshu Island.
The Dark Hunters didn't relent in spite of their heavy losses and eventually started to wear down on the Astral Guardians, Bald Eagle and Narwhal just didn't have the stamina keep summoning their elemental powers for long periods of time.
-Damn it!- Narwhal cried as she was caught out of guard by just one Perfect Dark Hunter and it snapped her spear in half, without it she couldn't defend herself and she was too tired to reform a new one, she getting overwhelmed when Byakko and Smilodon somehow managed to arrive just in time to save her.
-Bald Eagle fill that gap!- Père David's Deer said rushing in to check on Narwhal's condition, she had a few nasty gashes that went through her dress and her skin, one in the stomach was of particular concern and the Deer was immediately working on closing it before Narwhal noticed just how bad the wound was.
-I can't believe they ripped off my dress- Narwhal moaned in pain, not concerned about her wounds but the state of her clothes, it made Père David's Deer smile as she closed the cut on Narwhal's stomach and avoided her guts from spilling out.
-This is getting dire- Bald Eagle said as she felt too weak to keep flying and landed at the edge of the Crater, witnessing even more Dark Hunters coming for them akin a dark tide pouring out of the gates of hell itself, unleashed upon them.
Smilodon alone held the line as Boomslang was unable to connect with Genbu, the Snake just stood in front of Bald Eagle who felt The Thirst again, she desperately needed more Blood.
Bald Eagle looked around and saw Boomslang about to cry, unable to do anything while her Friends fought, the Snake decided to offer herself to the Bird to help her save the day.
-Feed off me!- Boomslang begged to Bald Eagle as she pulled her Hoodie back, pulled down the zipper and exposed her neck.
-Do it! I need you plug that gap right now!- Père David's Deer ordered Bald Eagle as she was still working to heal Narwhal up.
Bald Eagle rushed to Boomslang and didn't hold back on feeding off her, the Snake did her best to not make any noises and avoided struggling as much as she could as the Bird bit her neck, the gruesome act was finished in mere moments but those who witnessed for the first time were visible horrified.
-Guide me Suzaku- Bald Eagle called to her Astral Guardian, in her blood-crazed frenzy Bald Eagle made a connection with the Vermillion Bird, their desire to cleanse this world interlocked.
-Drown them in our flames!- Suzaku screeched loudly and clearly for all to listen, drawing the surprise of everyone present, from the shocked Byakko to the drained Boomslang.
Pillars of flame swept through the Sandstar Volcano's Crater sparing nothing in its wake, the fire burned so fiercely that the Cerulean themselves retreated and their assault finally stopped, amidst the fire and fury Bald Eagle soared and was in awe of the sight below as she felt Suzaku roaring triumphally.
-I don't even need to fan these flames, the battle is won- Smilodon said sheathing her sword and running her gloves through her face, she took a deep breath as she felt sweat running down her face again, the extinct cat was exhausted.
-I can't believe those two made such big progress today, I guess we can also depend on her, right?- Byakko said and made Smilodon smirk, in a way she did remind her days learning to work with Byakko, it all comes quickly when it's on you to save the day or watch a Friend die in front of your eyes.
-You can depend on all of us, we are here to help, you know?- Narwhal said as she stood up, the Cetacean blushed as her pretty dress was cut open in several areas, it made her feel kinda lewd knowing Père David's Deer was ogling her silently.
-Turned out better than expected, you okay Boomslang?- Père David's Deer winked at Narwhal, making the Cetacean squirm, then the Deer moved up to help Boomslang to stand up again.
-... I'm… Hungry…- The Snake said, though she felt devastated that she didn't manage to do anything awesome, badass or heroic, Boomslang was happy that she was useful in someway.
Bald Eagle finally came back to her senses and landed amidst her Friends, to her surprise none of them were visible scared or disgusted by her, in spite of the things that she just had done.
-I don't think they are going to come out from there anymore, at least not for at least a season, right Suzaku?- Bald Eagle smirked happy with her handy work, before noticing a bit of blood slipping through her lips, which she quickly brushed off.
-Yes…- The Vermillion Bird answered Bald Eagle question with a gleeful whisper that made Boomslang's body shiver, the Snake started to wonder if she should be really scared of Genbu too.
-I'm impressed, you made her speak before Seiryuu, you might just be good at this Bald Eagle- Narwhal said as she leaned on a newly formed spear due to her injuries, Père David's Deer looked at her worried about her trying too hard to play tough.
-Smilodon! Can you let Narwhal ride Byakko? She is hurt and I don't want this descend to risk her wounds reopening, with this business taken care of, we have to keep moving- Père David's Deer sentenced as the entire group gathered around her again.
Smilodon blushed at the idea but the logic behind it was solid, so she agreed in spite of Byakko's protesting about her pride. Narwhal was administered a healing draught and fell asleep almost right away cuddling Byakko's soft and warm white fur.
The agitated slow descend of the Sandstar Volcano of the tired group, from the adrenaline of the battle earlier that they barely won and the rush to get into the Diamondback, to move away from this place before Fenrir was on hot their trail again made them unaware that they were being watched by the Ravens.
-Huginn, they are becoming stronger, we must warn Fenrir to not try to take them all on, together they are strong- Muninn the Raven sentenced certain that they shouldn't be with toyed or underestimated, they were a very real threat to them now.
-You are right Muninn, we should talk to her into letting them feel safe before striking with the help of some of the underlings along their path- The other Raven agreed with her sister, before moving closer to her as they leaned against each other, entering a form of communion which granted them Far-Sight.
-I see now, they will be specially vulnerable when they try to cross from Kyoshu Island to Gokoku Island, come Muninn, we must hurry!- Huginn stood up and held her sister's hand to stand up with her, as they spread their wings and took flight.
-Yes! We'll put the Nightmare on their path to gain time and then prepare an ambush there!- Muninn said cheerfully, seeing things fall into place, knowing the Time Amulet would be finally in their hands, to earn the favour of their mistress, as it should.
As the Ravens flew off, they saw the Diamondback starting its engine and on the move again, the wheel of fate was turning.
This chase would only end when one of the groups meet its demise, fighting over the Time Amulet, Friends and Fiends.