Chapter Eighteen: Fear of the Dark
"... When I'm walking a dark road, I'm a man that walks alone…"
Père David's Deer sighed, having to say goodbye so soon to an amazing Pathfinder like African Wild Dog was a shame, but the Deer knew that the bonds within each Cadre were everything.
African Wild Dog displayed her prowess, exiting the APC by it's top hatch, her scarf blowing in the wind as a new day dawned.
-You sure you don't want to come with us?- Boomslang asked, poking from the hatch of the APC, African Wild Dog didn't reply.
-She is going back with her Friends, let's keep going, we are almost there!- Bald Eagle said, standing below her Boomslang, taking a good look at her stuff as Collared Peccary suggested.
-Let's see what Point Hope has to offer- Collared Peccary said, driving again, very pleased that nothing else happened through the night, she already dreaded another weird thing happening.
As the Diamondback drove past her. African Wild Dog waved goodbye to the Crusaders, she wished them safe travels but now had her own mission to attend to, specially now that she could trust this other Cadre to deliver the news to Point Hope.
In spite of knowing Garm and Fenrir had reached the Mainland, that they were closing in Point Hope slowly, in their deaths they saw the end of their Crusade. Taking away the Fiends power to Eclipse, it would make the Sun reliable again, to fight them off.
-Strange contact ahead!- Rhyolite warned, suddenly breaking the silence, she had never ever seen reading like these before.
The Crusaders listened to her with renewed dread, even if the Sun was now protecting them, nothing stopped a new Eclipse from happening. So long as that possibility existed, the Cadre would never be at ease, not even during the sunniest of days.
-What the fuck is that!?- Collared Peccary yelled, stepping on the Diamondback's breaks, more confused than scared for now.
The Crusaders rushed to take a look at the thing standing in front of their APC, through the screens, the front windows and even opening the top hatch. It looked like a Star Beast, one of the original costumes that Japari Park personnel used, to have it entertain visitors, taking photos with them and other very fun activities. However, that was during the Golden Age of Japari Park, but seeing a Star Beast now, it just wasn't a good omen.
-CRUSADERS!- The Star Beast screamed loudly, the Cadre was shocked, that volume was impossible for any Friend to achieve.
-What do you need?- Père David's Deer asked, poking out of the hatch, feeling the awful smell coming from the Star Beast.
If it wasn't for that stench it would be actually cute and cuddly.
-If you go into Point Hope, you'll die gruesomely, stay out of it- The Star Beast said nonchalantly, shocking the Crusader Cadre.
-Who are you- Père David's Deer demanded an answer angrily.
-Nothing, but this world belongs to me, please stand aside so I get to play with you personally- The Star Beast answered, then it started to laugh madly, until it started coughing up its blood.
-Koryu!?- Père David's Deer asked in disbelief, she summoned her staff, but was too shocked to take a shot at the Star Beast.
-Do you wanna see me?- The Star Beast asked, but she didn't wait for an answer, all the Crusaders were in a stunned silence.
What they saw there was something the Cadre would never forget, several years later it would live on in their nightmares.
The Star Beast started removing the head of the furry costume, slowly twisting the costume's head around its own neck, blood gushing out as the sound of its neck snapping echoed through the sands of the desert. When the Star Beast finally managed to pop it's costume head off, the Crusaders inside and outside the APC couldn't look away. She was a human or what used to be one, most of her skin had been flayed, her eyes were both hanging outside of their sockets. Père David's Deer felt a chill crawling up her spine, she dropped her bow that vanished back to sandstar, she felt nauseous and was struggling not to vomit.
-Hahahaha, surprised!? The sun is annoying, but once I have the relic, it won't stop me anymore- Koryu spoke through her meat puppet, which waved at the Crusaders slowly, with blood pouring from the mouth of the desecrated Human as it spoke.
Amidst the horror she was witnessing and her extreme dislike of blood messing up with her, Père David's Deer remembered what had carried her all the way here, she had to do her best to preserve what was left of Japari Park. She had to avenge the fallen Friends too, she gathered her courage and spoke again.
-What a disgusting way to finally talk to us, do your worst, you won't find any of us wanting!- Père David's Deer said trying her best to talk back at the abomination, she could feel tears falling down her face, before she started coughing up due to nausea.
The Star Beast said no more, it just started laughing madly, so much that the blood pouring out of its mouth made it's jaw fall off. That was when Collared Peccary had enough, she resumed driving and made Rhyo narrowly avoid the Star Beast. As much as she wanted to drive straight over it, that poor Human body and furry costume deserved better. After Rhyolite passed her, the Star Beast dropped dead again, like a puppet without any strings. The Crusaders hoped the human could finally find rest.
-Is everyone alright?- Père David's Deer asked, worried other Friends were also feeling nauseous, or something much worse.
-We are fine- Bald Eagle answered, in the name of the Cadre.
-I thought our first encounter with a God would be interesting, knowing our kind of luck, I should have known would it just be disgusting- Collared Peccary said holding back a nervous laugh, after that sick puppeteering, she really needed a night of sleep.
-Are you sure Koryu once was Heroic?- Boomslang asked quite exasperated, Boomslang had enough, of all these crazy things.
-I am, the endless Hunger just turned her insane, she must be stopped!- Nidhogg said reassuring Boomslang, as if Koryu's old heroic deeds, somehow made what they saw easier to swallow.
-Calm down Boomslang, we are safe for now, tonight we'll still be safe in Point Hope- Narwhal reassured Boomslang, in spite of still being in a weakened state, she was slowly rehydrating.
-Sorry, I just wish for once, just for once we had a quiet day- Boomslang sighed, not looking forward to Point Hope anymore.
-We will be safe in there, it might not be a quiet night, but we will be able to make a stand better in there- Horus said, talking for Sphinx, who was still sleepy since that last healing draught.
-We'll be finally be there, any moment now, right?- Bald Eagle asked, as she wanted to make Boomslang feel safe once again.
-We are leaving the Sankai region behind, once we reach the Nakabe region, we'll see it in the distance- Rhyolite answered, showing the Crusaders the trajectory in a map, on her screens.
-Hopefully the next region won't be a desert, I don't want to be a burden- Narwhal said, she thought on how poor her first time on a real desert was, she had never felt so weak or frail before.
-You will really like Nakabe region then- Horus said to Narwhal.
The rest of the journey through the desert was uneventful, the Diamondback reached the wet lowlands of the Nakabe Region, after crossing a strangely solid and rather large wooden bridge they could finally see Point Hope in the distance. It was like a jewel on the sands, a city port that still stood the test of time, a relic from the Golden Days of Japari Park welcome the Cadre.
After all they had been through, the Crusaders finally made it.
-This city is built upon a solid foundation, it's quite impressive- Rhyolite stated, showing the Crusaders a beautiful view of Point Hope, connecting herself with the AI that was running the City.
-So many buildings- Bald Eagle said, pondering how high some of those structures reached, she could make a new nest in one.
-The walls, they look quite solid too- Boomslang said cheering.
-Stop by the first door you find, if we are welcome guests, we should be polite as well- Père David's Deer said, trying to stay calm, she was a bit shaken but she had to lead the Cadre now.
-You got it- Collared Peccary answered, keeping an eye out for gates, she was keen on seeing what kind of Friends lived there.
After about ten minutes, the Cadre finally found a Friend on watch, to their surprise it was someone who recognized also Père David's Deer. The moment she popped out of the hatch, she was called out by her name, by a very old Friend in arms.
-Shifuzou?- Mule Deer asked, she stopped eating her apple surprised, that was a phantom thief she didn't expect to see.
-Aw, hell no… Hi Mule Deer, still eating Apples?- Père David's Deer said, before asking her something, trying to break the ice.
-They are my favorite, hang in there, I'll get this gate open- Mule Deer answered, then left her post, to open it manually.
-No way in Japari Hell! It's the Apple Addict- Collared Peccary said, suddenly remembering her, she was a venerable Spear.
The Diamondback stood before some reinforced doors, of some alloy unknown to Friends, they creaked slowly starting to open.
The rest of the Cadre, which didn't know Mule Deer at all, were impressed that she managed to open the doors by pure brawn.
The Crusaders gave to Mule Deer a hearty round of applauses.
-Thank you! You should go to the central district, Jinmengyo will be happy to see you, maybe we all can share a meal then- Mule Deer said, as she turned her back on the APC and started closing the Door, showing off her physical strength once again.
-Mind telling us her story?- Boomslang asked, to Père David's Deer, who didn't reply outright. The Deer was lost in memories.
-Not much to say, she is a good Spear, all she asks for is to eat food together afterward- Collared Peccary answered, she drove very slowly, for the streets of Point Hope were unknown to her.
-She is a decent Spear, I'm glad to see her doing well, but she knows me from those embarrassing young years- Père David's Deer said sighing, she wasn't looking forward to be teased over when she was a "Phantom Thief", she was quite silly back then.
-I didn't change much myself!- Collared Peccary said proudly.
-Any chance we will ever learn more about your past?- Bald Eagle asked, seeing how so many Friends knew Père David's Deer, it bothered her that the Deer avoided talking about that.
-Maybe one day, we'll not be chased by Fiends, I will gladly tell you all you want to know about me or Piggy then- Père David's Deer said, as she had done before, when asked about her past.
-Can I ask you at least one question?- Bald Eagle said begging.
-Fine- Père David's Deer sighed, finding the usual compromise.
-How did you learn to use your staff like a Bow? The things you do with it are sometimes surreal- Bald Eagle asked going for a different angle, maybe regarding her archery, she'd be honest.
-Years of Practice, it's one of last few things that my Caretaker taught me, so I kept training after they left- Père David's Deer explained, in a deadpan tone, clearly unhappy answering that.
-Sorry, but it's a good thing, in a way he is still with you!- Bald
Eagle apologized, quickly trying to cheer up Père David's Deer.
-Attention Cadre! I detect Jinmengyo near- Rhyolite informed, unknowingly saving Bald Eagle, from a very awkward situation.
-Joy! A shame that Narwhal fell asleep, she'll be happy to see her again!- Boomslang said, filled with joy, she loved reunions.
-I see her!- Collared Peccary said, as she slowly drove where the UMA Friend stood, to her surprise Jinmengyo didn't notice at all. Jinmengyo appeared to be in some sort of deep trance.
-Hey, are you there?- Père David's Deer said, resisting the urge to poke Jinmengyo with her staff, as silly as that might sound.
-Sorry! I was scrying in this hotel mirror, I read in the past that the more souls a mirror reflects, the more powerful it becomes- Jinmengyo explained to the Cadre, kinda creeping them all out.
-That's pretty grim, did you see anything?- Père David's Deer asked visibly concerned, Jinmengyo likely knew the danger that lurked in the horizon, that Point Hope was in imminent danger.
-Nothing good, but that's not important, it's good to see you all again- Jinmengyo said, trying to change the topics, none of the Crusaders thought it wise to press that matter with Jinmengyo.
-It's good to see you, but we have much to do, shall we go?- Père David's Deer said, inviting Jinmengyo to get on the APC.
-Whoa, your group is much larger now, I'll have to take you to a new bigger place for you to stay!- Jinmengyo said, she had a look at the crammed APC, seeing the trio of unexpected guests.
-Greetings- Nidhogg said to Jinmengyo, as both UMAs gazed at each other, feeling very curious about the abilities of the other.
-Just drive east, you'll know where we are going, when you see it- Jinmengyo said to Collared Peccary, for she was behind the wheel. Collared Peccary saluted Jinmengyo and did as ordered.
The last bit of driving lead the Crusader Cadre into a beautiful building, it looked like some sort of Mansion, slightly worn out by time, it still remained grandiose and eye-catching just like Point Hope itself. The entrance had a big cracked sign that said something, sadly most of the Friends didn't know how to read.
-This was a Luxury Hotel for Japari Park visitors to stay at, it will suit all of your needs just fine, I'll be the one to serve you- Jinmengyo said, doing a curtsy greeting with her Yukata like a maid's skirt, surprising the Cadre that she'd be coddling them.
-Jackpot!- Collared Peccary said, raising her closed fist happily.
-We could use some rest, I have already considered our next move too, with the info we have gathered so far- Père David's Deer said, ever since they had arrived to the mainland, they didn't have any moment to settle down, to mourn Smilodon.
-First you gotta settle down the business that brought you here in the first place- Jinmengyo said in a surprisingly soft manner.
-YOU ARE RIGHT!- Bald Eagle and Boomslang yelled in unison.
-Let's go, I can cook something nice for you, then we can talk about it- Jinmengyo said, moving to the front of the APC, she wanted to carry Narwhal in her arms. She was so proud of her.
-It's okay, I can walk, I want to walk…- Sphinx said, struggling to get up, managing to avoid falling with the help of the Medjai.
Jinmengyo lead the Crusaders into the Mansion, they saw that she had cleaned it up beforehand for them, as it didn't have any dust showing the Mansion's years. Sphinx barely made it to a couch, she could keep resting in it, exerting herself just a bit.
-It feels good being able to move again- Sphinx said stretching.
-I still need to nurse you, for at least another day- Père David's Deer said sitting besides Sphinx, she subtly put her arm around the Deer's shoulder. Horus appeared on top of the Deer's beret.
-You can get comfortable here, I'll put Narwhal in the bathtub first, then I'll make you a homemade meal- Jinmengyo said leaving the rest of the Cadre, as her Disciple needed her first.
-We finally made it to Point Hope, I can't believe it, we can finally complete our quest!- Bald Eagle sentenced, full of joy.
-And then we can go home!- Boomslang said, shocking the rest of the Cadre. Bald Eagle looked like she just got punched hard.
-What? No! We can't go home yet, we gotta defeat the Fiends- Bald Eagle reminded Boomslang of their duty as the Crusaders.
-Did you not see what we ran into earlier? You really think that we can stop Koryu!?- Boomslang asked angrily, quickly losing her usual friendly demeanor, showing how she truly felt inside.
-All of us together can!- Bald Eagle yelled, her face getting red, she couldn't understand why Boomslang didn't believe in them.
-Quit it, it's time for us to relax, not to yell at each other! Chill- Nidhogg yelled to both Boomslang and Bald Eagle, the Dragon used her armored fingers to grab both Snake and Bird, forcing them to sit together in a soft couch like the couple they were.
-Thank you Nidhogg, I was just about to hit them with my staff again- Père David's Deer said, quite happy that she didn't have to do that. This confused both Bald Eagle and Boomslang a lot.
-You kinda stopped doing that…- Bald Eagle said, realizing the times she got hit by Père David's Deer eventually reached zero.
-Any reasons for it?- Boomslang asked, recovering her familiar friendly tone of voice again, she blushed now, thinking about how rude she was to the Cadre. She had to make amends now.
-You two stopped being childish, no point on disciplining you anymore, when I started counting on you- Père David's Deer
explained, all while she checked on Sphinx's condition again.
-That's the nicest thing you'll ever hear from her, I assure you- Collared Peccary said giggling, making Père David's Deer pout.
-Don't bully her… She is trying her best- Rhyolite says, finally managing to say five words in a row, without even stuttering.
-Same as you, Rhyolite, let's sit here together there- Collared Peccary said, leading Rhyolite to a smaller couch in the corner.
-That one over there is for us, sit at my sides- Nidhogg told the Ravens, they flew and landed on each side of the Dragon, once she adjusted her dragon-scales. She could finally rest for a bit.
-Now that we are comfortable, we gotta talk about Koryu, we can't stand aside and do nothing- Père David's Deer said, she had finished checking up on Sphinx, her tone was very somber.
-We can't fight her, as we are right now, but I'm sorry for my outburst earlier… I'm just scared- Boomslang said, apologizing.
-I think most, if not all of us, here are scared, Boomslang… But if we do not stop Koryu, Japari Park will cease to exist, the rest of World will be next… Her Hunger will never be sated- Nidhogg said, reminding the Cadre that while the danger they faced was insurmountable, they had to do all within their power to stop it.
-I'm sure Jinmengyo has a plan, she is taking this too well, she must have something in mind to help us- Collared Peccary said, stepping up, trying to reassure her fellow Crusaders about their future. The Cadre was in good hands now, they would survive.
-That I do! But first you deserve a good meal, I hope you like spaghetti, it will be ready soon- Jinmengyo said re-entering the living room, she was wearing a pink apron with a fish in a hook in it, such amusing sight made all of the Crusaders smile again.
-We haven't eaten well, ever since we arrived at the Mainland, anything will be splendid- Père David's Deer said, respectfully bowing to Jinmengyo, speaking for the entire Crusader Cadre.
-If it's really good, she'd be a fair match to Blue Whale, right?- Bald Eagle asked Boomslang, comparing Jinmengyo's motherly reception to how Blue Whale too good care of them in Kyoshu.
-She feels more like a cool big sister- Boomslang said not quite agreeing, as Jinmengyo's slender frame made her feel closer to
Père David's Deer, also being quite quirky like the Deer as well.
-I feel we should properly introduce ourselves… - Nidhogg said to her Ravens, as she looked at Jinmengyo, she felt the need to explain to her who she was and why she had joined the Cadre.
-We can talk after the meal, I just returned to ask the Cadre a question, what kind of drinks do you want? Juice? Tea? Maybe something stronger?- Jinmengyo asked, happy at the prospect she'd finally get to share a stiff drink, with cute battle hardened Friends once again. She was really in the mood for some Sake.
-NO BOOZE PLEASE!- Bald Eagle and Boomslang said in unison.
-I can't drink, I gotta nurse Sphinx- Père David's Deer said, she had to be responsible, she also didn't want to risk sleeping with Sphinx. She had a feeling that Horus would also be ok with her.
-I guess that I'll pass then, we can drink some other time, ok?- Collared Peccary said really lamenting this missed opportunity.
-I'll hold you up on that, once this mess is over, I'll call you to eat at the dining room ok?- Jinmengyo said leaving the Cadre, no Crusader said anything else, all of them were very hungry.
The wait for the meal went very slowly, the weight of the rush from place to place all around the Mainland, had finally catch up to the Cadre. Nidhogg observed the others with the Ravens, she wanted to know how their group dynamics worked, for she didn't want to feel like the "New Girl". She really wanted to feel like part of their group, Nidhogg wanted to build a strong bond with the Crusaders, she wanted to become part of their family.
-Food is served!- Jinmengyo screeched loudly from the dining hall, her sweet voice being so loud. It was a shock to the entire Cadre, specially since several Friends were about to fall asleep.
The Cadre yawned and stretched after hearing Jinmengyo's call. Père David's Deer helped Sphinx, so she finally stopped overextending herself trying to walk, she was so close to a full recovery and she shouldn't be allowed to set back the progress.
Jinmengyo put five chairs for each on side of the table, so they could sit on either side, with Jinmengyo taking Narwhal's spot.
-Let's pray before eating- Jinmengyo said, all of the Crusaders join her prayer, the original members thought about Smilodon.
When they finally started eating, only Jinmengyo, Père David's Deer and Collared Peccary knew how to use a fork properly, the other Friends were struggling to eat their spaghetti. Boomslang and Bald Eagle were staining their faces with the sauce, Rhyo didn't even bother trying and allowed Collared Peccary to spoon feed her. Nidhogg and the Ravens very slowly ate to avoid the same fate of Boomslang and Bald Eagle. Sphinx displayed the mundane utility of Horus' powers, she summoned a Medjai to spoon feed herself, just copying Collared Peccary's movements.
-Now... That is pretty fucking cool!- Collared Peccary admitted.
-I have news regarding Riukiu Island- Jinmengyo said, knowing that this was the right moment to inform the Cadre, while they were busy eating they would listen to her, without interrupting.
-Their stockpile of Japari Buns is about to run out, the Friends are going hungry, you are gonna have to address that matter first!- Jinmengyo continued, delivering some very bad news to the Crusaders, but it was their original quest, it had to be dealt with. The quicker they settled down on it, the better for all of Japari Park, then they could focus on dealing with the Fiends.
-We lost our Lucky Beast in Kyoshu Island, none of us knows what the Island needs, do you have some around here?- Bald Eagle asked, recalling the day when they had lost their Lucky Beast, one day "Big Boss" was just gone as if it had else to do.
-I can easily find one today, they go around here underground, always on the move from here to there- Jinmengyo answered, she had always wondered just how many Lucky Beasts existed.
-I got an idea, she won't like it, but it's the most logical thing we can do in this situation- Père David's Deer said, lamenting that she had to do this to Narwhal, whom she had slept with.
-Is it what I think it is?- Collared Peccary asked, feeling quite uneasy, she could guess what was the most logical thing to do.
-You know me so well, Narwhal and Rhyolite can carry all the things Riukiu Island needs, from here to there faster without most of us hoarding space!- Père David's Deer explained her plan, knowing Narwhal would refuse to go, she would not be okay with leaving the Cadre behind and missing out the fight.
-You want us to split up?- Boomslang asked feeling very sad.
-For the sake of Riukiu Island, it is truly your best option, I'll try my best to convince Narwhal to agree to this- Jinmengyo said, she'd be as persuasive as she could, Narwhal would not go against her when it was for the sake of the Cadre's Island.
-Thanks for that, I don't think she'd listen to me- Père David's Deer said, knowing in spite of them having slept together once, Narwhal would stubbornly refuse to leave her fellow Crusaders.
-I don't think I could leave Rhyolite alone by herself- Collared Peccary said, reaching out to hold Rhyo's hand under the table.
-You can go with her too, you know?- Nidhogg said, she was a bit harsh, but she really felt this was the right thing to do here.
Every Friend without an Astral Guardian protecting them should stand aside, the upcoming hunt would be brutal and merciless.
-I'll have to think about it- Collared Peccary answered, she had no joke for this moment, nothing came to her mind. Nidhogg was right, even if she was a bit cruel, she should stand aside.
-I don't like this idea… - Rhyolite said, trying her hardest not to stutter, they had gotten this far together and splitting up was a terrible idea. Every time they did that, a Friend ended up dead.
-I don't like it either, no one here does, but Riukiu Island needs your aid- Jinmengyo said looking at Boomslang and Bald Eagle, these two Friends who could then focus in hunting down Koryu.
-We'll be fine, we now have Nidhogg and Sphinx with us, I also have a plan! But first we must rest and organize the Wild Hunt-
Père David's Deer said, her voice echoing loudly, full of resolve.
-You are going to stay with them?- Collared Peccary asked, she knew Deerie so well, she didn't want to be pushed away again.
-I'm the Healer and the Leader of this Cadre, of course I will stay, they need me the most- Père David's Deer replied, her cold tone was extremely serious, the Deer was right as always.
-But you don't have any Astral Guardian, you are breaking your own rules!- Collared Peccary said tears running down her face.
-Are you okay!?- Jinmengyo asked very worried, but Bald Eagle stopped her, they all knew this would happen, sooner or later.
-Rhyo, can you lend me Smilodon's sword?- Père David's Deer said to Rhyolite, her expression twisting with ice cold hatred.
-You got it!- Rhyolite said pulling the sheathed blade from her Hard-Hat, handling it to Père David's Deer very carefully, Rhyo knew how much this tragic keepsake meant for the Crusaders.
-Smilodon, I'm sorry that I couldn't save you, your blade will not rest in my hands- Père David's Deer said, apologizing to Smilodon at last, every Friend prayed for her soul to find rest.
-I will keep you safe here while you prepare for the Wild Hunt, you can give Smilodon a send-off worthy of her deeds, you can finally mourn her- Jinmengyo said feeling guilty, for having to use these brave Friends, but they were the chosen of the Gods, she had to believe in them and the deities standing with them.
I think we need dessert first , then we'll go to sleep, tomorrow we will mourn Smilodon and start to prepare for the Wild Hunt-
Père David's Deer said smiling to Jinmengyo, her support would
be really important for the Cadre, to get it back in good shape.
The Crusader Cadre was finally safe at Point Hope, they would rest and begin to prepare, for the Wild Fiend Hunt would begin.