Chapter Nineteen: The Prophecy
"… Through the eyes of the future I see…"
Jinmengyo sighed, she tried keeping her frustration to herself, but she did expect the two Crusaders under her care to have a better grasp of their Astral Guardians. For now it felt like pure dumb luck had kept Boomslang and Bald Eagle alive and well.
-Okay, that's enough, you can rest now- Jinmengyo said, she prepared two cups of cinnamon tea, for the tired battle couple.
-This is impossible!- Boomslang said collapsing, Jinmengyo wanted them to create something physical, using their Astral Guardians divine power, but they couldn't give it physical form.
-I can't do it!- Bald Eagle screamed furiously, previously she easily overcame many challenges with Suzaku's might, but this task was just beyond her. For once Bald Eagle felt inadequate.
-Come on now, I didn't expect you to do it on the first try, that would have been a Miracle- Jinmengyo said trying to encourage the pair, after all she depended on them, all of Japari Park did.
-They are gonna need those relics that you are hoarding, to be able to summon something actually tangible- Nidhogg said very amusedly, trying to relax, as they were safe for the time being.
-With their combat experience, I thought they could make it without them, I'll fetch them after Breakfast- Jinmengyo said, considering the things she saw while scrying, it was a bad sign.
-Come on, get up now, food is on the way!- Nidhogg said with a big smile, helping Bald Eagle and Boomslang stand up again.
-I'll be right back with some food and drinks- Jinmengyo said, giving a respectful bow before running off, leaving in a hurry.
-We are terrible, aren't we?- Boomslang asked, feeling weary.
-Not the worst I've seen- Nidhogg answered, ruffling the messy hair of Boomslang and Bald Eagle, like she did with the Ravens.
-Thanks, it means a lot for both of us- Bald Eagle said sighing.
The three Friends heard a discussion in the distance, they were worried it was the unavoidable talk over the Cadre splitting up, but it turned out to be just Sphinx and Père David's Deer arguing.
-I'm telling you, you still could use three more days of resting!- Père David's Deer said frustrated, Sphinx was already being too active, as if she already fully recovered from all of her injuries.
-I'm fine! I can walk again- Sphinx said dismissive of the Deer, as she was tired of just lying in a bed, just doing nothing at all.
-Fine, but I'll have to do a full check-up later, ok?- Père David's Deer said blushing hard, she knew that Sphinx would tease her during the check-up, touching her was something she did enjoy.
-As many times as you'd like, Doc- Sphinx said, imitating Père David's Deer cheeky tongue poking gesture, making her groan.
-Sacre Bleu!- Père David's Deer cursed, extremely frustrated.
-Deer fawn! Are you ready to go?- Sphinx asked the Deer, she had Horus bring to them Smilodon's blade, still with its sheath.
-After breakfast, okay? I'm not ready yet…- Père David's Deer answered, her hands shaking, with her grip tight on the sheath.
-Don't be like that, from what I heard Smilodon trusted your command, Shifuzou- Nidhogg said, reaching out to the Deer.
-Thanks Nidhogg, you turned out to be fairly sweet, under all that scrap- Père David's Deer said, admiring Nidhogg's armor.
-Scales!- Nidhogg said, correcting Père David's Deer's comment.
-Any news on your little birds?- Boomslang asked quite eager.
-They will return at night then ask for treats, with information you requested, they will have it- Nidhogg answered, she knew their modus operandi, the Ravens would return with the Dusk.
-Are you sure they will be fine?- Bald Eagle asked, she was a bit worried, wondering whether the Ravens be safe on their own.
-Considering they tracked you since Kyoshu Island undetected? Yes they will be fine- Nidhogg reassured Bald Eagle, reminding her of the time the Ravens stalked the Crusader Cadre, silently.
-Okay! That's fair enough- Bald Eagle said holding back a laugh.
-Breakfast is served!- Jinmengyo said, calling to the Crusaders.
As the Friends outdoors rushed inside, to eat their first meal of the day, they were met with the sight of a very angry Narwhal. She was just pouting at them, Père David's Deer acknowledged her, thinking that it was her responsibility to address Narwhal. After all, it was her decision as their Leader, to split the Cadre.
-Narwhal, even if we had let you vote, it would have been all of vs just you- Père David's Deer said vehemently, she hated this kind of thing, but she knew that she had to be firm in her decision.
Narwhal said nothing and just broke into tears, Rhyolite appeared behind her and rushed to hug her, Collared Peccary walked in to apologize for hiding and sending Narwhal to do the talking.
-It's okay Narwhal, we didn't agree to this either, so it would have been at least three refusing to go away- Collared Peccary said, showing she was still reluctant about following her orders.
-It's to save Riukiu Island, you know?- Bald Eagle joined the conversation, as it was unfair to forget the reason for the split.
-That's our home- Boomslang joined holding Bald Eagle's hand.
-Crusaders, calm down and come eat your breakfast, or I'll be very upset!- Jinmengyo warned them all, quickly dispelling the ruckus going on, each Crusader sat in their places once more.
-We are very sorry, thanks for the meal!- The Crusaders said in unison, the Cadre started eating without any further discussion.
Jinmengyo had made some scrambled eggs with toast, each of the Crusaders had a cup of tea too, of a very strong, and fruity flavour. Breakfast passed without further discussion, under the watchful eye of Jinmengyo, no one dared to interrupt the meal.
-It has come to my attention that the group chosen to go and save Riukiu Island. You don't want to go?- Jinmengyo asked, her tone was soft and gentle, her gaze was like a giant iceberg.
-I can fight as well as the others- Narwhal said, looking down to hide her tears, she didn't want to leave her Friends behind.
-We don't doubt your combat prowess, but in that desert you are on the back-foot, you are also the only one that can carry the supplies to Riukiu Island in time!- Père David's Deer said to Narwhal, remembering the night that they shared in the Lodge, she'd be the Friend missing having Narwhal around the most.
-I don't wanna go either- Rhyolite said, without ever stuttering.
-Neither do I- Collared Peccary added, she felt terrible about this after not opposing yesterday, after such a nice meal too.
-I'm afraid this isn't up for debate, I saw it on the mirror while scrying, all three of you must go to Riukiu Island!- Jinmengyo exclaimed, shocking all of the Crusaders with such a statement.
-Really!?- Père David's Deer asked, lacking better words, she spoke on behalf of the Crusader Cadre. Those who would go or those who would stay to fight, both sides were flabbergasted.
-Yes! I saw it clearly, if Riukiu Island is to be saved, they must start their journey today- Jinmengyo answered without doubts.
-That's just so sudden… Tonight?- Narwhal asked, Jinmengyo nodded in response, confirming they had one last day together.
-We've been through a lot of things together, this isn't the end- Bald Eagle spoke up, while she was sad about this, she knew it was for the best. The Cadre could always reunite in the future.
-I'll miss you all a lot- Collared Peccary said while standing up.
-We'll miss you too, Piggy!- Boomslang said, already feeling a bit emotional, as she was already trying to hold back her tears.
-You've done far more for us than anyone will ever recognize, we wouldn't have made it far, without you being able to drive- Bald Eagle said, she flew to hug Collared Peccary, tears falling down. Collared Peccary ruffled Bald Eagle's hair while smiling.
-You make it hard for me not to cry in front of Rhyo- Collared Peccary said her voice cracking, Piggy brushed away her tears
she felt incredibly embarrassed of showing her sadness openly.
-This is just so moving!- Rhyolite said, standing up to hug both Bald Eagle and Collared Peccary, squishing them both together.
-Calm down Crusaders, you got one day left to spend together, make it count! Japari Park counts on you- Jinmengyo said, as she stood up as well, giving the Cadre a rather respectful bow.
Any of the Crusaders still sitting stood up, the Cadre left as a whole, they had lots of things to get done, leaving Jinmengyo alone to wash the dishes. Jinmengyo sighed trying to keep her composure, not because of the work she had to do now, but something else weighted in her heart. What she saw, the last time she used Scry in the mirror, was extremely disheartening.
-Are you doubting your own predictions?- A dark figure standing in the corner asked, it's silhouette resembled a Bird Friend, one which had easily flown into the room in absolute silence.
-It's the extreme accuracy of my predictions that have me like this- Jinmengyo answered, she focused on washing the dishes, as she wasn't in the mood to explain to "her" why she was sad.
-Well, I bring you the Relics you asked of me, use them wisely- The dark figure said flying towards Jinmengyo, giving her a pair of colorful bracelets, exactly like the ones she had in her wrists.
-Thank you for your blessings- Jinmengyo said, kneeling before the dark figure, she humbly prayed to the God standing by her.
-The board is set, now the pieces are moving, is that the thing that weighs so heavily upon your heart?- The dark figure asked amused, after all the things she had seen, all the disasters that she had predicted, Jinmengyo felt cursed by her ability to scry.
-I have their lives in my hands- Jinmengyo answered very sad.
-Do not fear, death is not the end- The dark figure said as she comforted her, by gently caressing Jinmengyo with her hands.
-I understand that but...- Jinmengyo said standing up, she was interrupted by the realization that She was gone, as quickly as She arrived with the Relics, She had left her talking to herself.
-I guess all that I can do now is to help them as much as I can- Jinmengyo said to herself, looking at the colourful bracelets on her hands, a pair of Holy Relics safeguarded by a divine Friend.
Jinmengyo finished her prayer and then stood up, adjusting her Yukata before walking out, to bestow upon Boomslang and Bald Eagle. Jinmengyo felt a bitter taste in her mouth, she had her doubts about sending such a young couple to fight Koryu, not because she doubted them but because of the extreme danger.
They reminded her so much of past Friends of her, whose lives she also gambled away, for the sake of preserving Japari Park.
-Narwhal, go find Mule Deer, she found a Lucky Beast that has the materials that you need to load up on Rhyolite- Jinmengyo instructed her disciple to prepare for her journey, so she could focus on Bald Eagle and Boomslang training, they needed help to reach the level of tension required to summon divine power.
-Nidhogg, I need your help over here- Jinmengyo asked the Wyrm that was sitting close nearby, as she saw Boomslang and Bald Eagle struggling, Nidhogg was starting to have her doubts.
-Yes?- Nidhogg asked, the Wyrm stood up and walked towards Jinmengyo, her scales making metallic noises as she advanced.
-You have the power of summoning, correct?- Jinmengyo asked recalling what Rhyolite had told her, that Nidhogg had attacked with replicas of deceased Friends, Rhyo had explained it to her.
-In a way, I do- Nidhogg smiled, she looked at Boomslang and Bald Eagle, to manifest Friends out of their personal memories.
-NO!- Bald Eagle and Boomslang said together, when they both recognized who had manifested, Cheetah with her missing legs.
-Relax, I'm in control of her now, she won't attack either of you until I say so- Nidhogg said smiling, amused these two Friends acted like this, when they had fought her quite valiantly before.
-She was the Fiend who infected me!- Bald Eagle said, feeling her legs shaking, the memories of the Bridge filling her mind again.
-Sorry, my Einherjars are generated based on the memories of my targets, I have zero control over this- Nidhogg explained to the Friends present, her control over the Einherjars began and ended with who they attacked, everything else was automatic.
-At least she isn't missing the lower half of her body this time- Boomslang said trying to be optimistic, she found that Cheetah was less disturbing, seeing how she looked when she was alive.
-Now, defend yourselves!- Nidhogg said summoning her spear, then she commanded Cheetah to attack the Battle Couple, a bit curious to see what surprise the Lovebirds would come up with.
-We aren't ready!- Boomslang said as she shielded Bald Eagle, who was cowering while holding her headwings with her hands.
-I guess it must be a long story- Nidhogg said unsummoning her Einherjar, she was certain that this wasn't time to practice anymore. Learning more about her new companions could be good, perhaps even better than having a practice battle with them, there would be plenty of time for that and more later on.
-We split up on the Human bridge between Kyoshu Island and Akushima Island, I was attacked by a Fiend who was cut-in half and desperate for Blood, Bald Eagle saved me and got infected- Boomslang explained to Nidhogg, as she tried to comfort Bald Eagle physically, she still felt guilty about what happened then.
Bald Eagle took a deep breath trying to calm down, as she was very embarrassed about her overreaction. Bald Eagle screamed taking flight, before quickly landing down in the same spot with tears running down her face, scattering the Friends around her.
-I'm so sorry about that!- Bald Eagle apologized, bowing before the surprised Friends, she had to do something brash to shake of her bad memories. Boomslang looked at her very concerned.
-Should we continue?- Nidhogg asked Jinmengyo, but before she could answer, Sphinx and Père David's Deer joined them.
-I think we are better off postponing training- Jinmengyo said.
-Yeah, today we should prepare a nice meal together, for our Friends that will be leaving soon- Père David's Deer suggested, thinking it would be a good way to spend this last day together.
-Why stop there? To celebrate a proper Feast you need music and dances as well- Nidhogg said, thinking that a party would be a great way to break the ice, to get to know the Crusaders.
-That sounds lovely, I'm in!- Sphinx said, she smiled thinking of lighting up the stage, Sphinx would love to dance for the Cadre.
-I see you don't want this departure to be solemn- Jinmengyo said amused but also relieved that the Crusaders remained in high spirits, keeping that going would be of utmost importance.
-What can we do to help?- Père David's Deer asked Jinmengyo, showing her interest to always do what was best for the Cadre, Jinmengyo found her an inspiration and wished to befriend her.
-Just follow me- Jinmengyo responded, she guided the Friends inside again, where she explained to them what they all had to do, to make a decent Feast in time with what they had at hand.
Bald Eagle and Boomslang were sent off to fish with Nidhogg, Sphinx and Père David's Deer stayed to help Jinmengyo set up the table as well as preparing everything else. Jinmengyo saw that Père David's Deer was very good at helping in the kitchen, she knew how to handle a knife and how to handle the cooking pots, Sphinx used her Medjai to perform the most menial tasks.
Once the rice and vegetables were ready, Jinmengyo only had to wait for the fish to arrive, to fry it and serve the meal to all.
-Anything else I can do?- Sphinx asked, she was already bored, as she had quickly finished doing her part thanks to the Medjai.
-Not at all- Jinmengyo answered, as she picked the drinks she would serve to the Crusaders, she decided not to serve alcohol.
-Your summons did everything for you!- Père David's Deer said annoyed, it was irksome watching the Medjai doing everything.
-They serve their Pharaoh, besides they do it better than I ever could, I'm kinda clumsy you know?- Sphinx said blushing a bit.
-That's not a real excuse to be so lazy, you shouldn't use your Astral Guardian so frivolously- Père David's Deer said scolding Sphinx, in a similar manner how she used to scold Bald Eagle.
-I'd like to see you do better!- Sphinx said huffing and pouting.
-Yeah, me too, I actually wonder…- Horus said, manifesting to briefly observe Père David's Deer, before he quickly vanished.
-If you are trying to scare me, it isn't going to work, ok?- Père David's Deer said, though she remained stoic for a moment, the Deer did do a double take when she saw Sphinx smiling at her.
-Relax, Sphinx and Horus only have the best in mind, for all of us- Jinmengyo said smiling, further worrying Père David's Deer.
-Could you stop beating around the bush and tell me what you two have in mind!?- Père David's Deer asked very exasperated.
-Tonight we are going to have fun, we will talk about our grim business later, ok?- Jinmengyo said in response, Sphinx agreed with her, no sense rushing ahead and spoiling the feast ahead.
-I suppose the best thing I can do is pretend that everything is okay, at least until the group is split, right?- Père David's Deer said sighing, understanding the logic of Jinmengyo and Sphinx.
-This is why all of us here believe in you- Sphinx said nodding.
-I have high hopes for you- Horus said fully manifesting, flying to land on Père David's Deer beret, as he had done in the past.
-Now, I just need Fish to start frying- Jinmengyo said smiling.
-Fried Fish?- Père David's Deer asked quite surprised, knowing that it would be cooked like that, it sounded very exotic to her.
-A bit of fat will not hurt your figure- Sphinx said leaning closer to Père David's Deer, she was curious to see if the Deer was a bit pudgy under her clothes, the air of mystery entertained her.
-Hands off! We aren't quite there yet!- Père David's Deer said, she blushed hard, blindsided at Sphinx's sudden bold approach.
-Don't be shy now, you saved my life! Horus told me about it!- Sphinx said finally moving in to cuddle Père David's Deer, who hit her with her staff, but Sphinx remained resolute regardless.
-Why is everyone I save always so clingy!- Père David's Deer screamed exasperated, she couldn't resist Sphinx's affections.
-You two, play nice, ok?- Jinmengyo said holding back a laugh.
-Is this a bad time?- Boomslang asked, she carried a big basket full of fish, Bald Eagle was peeking over Boomslang's shoulder.
-You just saved my life!- Père David's Deer said in an over the top manner, she yelped as Sphinx just continued cuddling her.
-Look at all the fish I managed to catch! The water surrounding Point Hope is full of life!- Bald Eagle said, blissfully unaware of Sphinx's intent, to her it was just a pair Friends getting along.
-You saved me as well, but I'm not gonna cuddle you, alright!?- Nidhogg said holding back a laugh, this made poor Père David's Deer squeal, which finally made Jinmengyo step in to save her.
-Alright! that's enough, just go sit at the table while I work in peace!- Jinmengyo said clapping her hands, the Crusaders did as ordered, none of them wanting to be scolded by Jinmengyo.
While the Crusaders eagerly awaited for their meal, all of them felt quite anxious knowing what was about to happen, even the cheerful Rhyolite remained silent and looked around nervously.
Eventually and before their food was ready, Père David's Deer decided to speak up, as it was the best moment to address the Cadre, before the Feast started and she had to ruin it for them.
-My fellow Crusaders, it has been an honor to lead you through this long journey, we lost many valuable Friends along the way. Let this Feast be in their name!- Père David's Deer said, as she stood up smiling while pouring Juice in the glass of each of her Crusaders, surprising the Cadre with how pretty her smile was.
-Let us toast for those victorious in Death!- Nidhogg said, she remembered those who believed in her myth, how they said it.
-Cheers!- The Crusaders said as one, they raised their glasses before drinking up, a sweet taste to wash away the bitterness.
-Meanies! You didn't even wait for me- Jinmengyo said pouting.
-Sorry, I just got carried away, seeing the entire group whole- Père David's Deer said, sitting down blushing hard, she hated to admit it, but she'd be the one saddest about the departure.
-Most of the group!- Nidhogg corrected her, as they were still missing the Ravens, that were still out there in a recon mission.
-Okay! The entire group minus those two!- Père David's Deer corrected her statement. She couldn't stop smiling seeing the Cadre that she had gathered, Maltese Tiger would be so happy to see her Deerie like this, surrounded by Friends once again.
-Food is ready, please hand out the plates and the silverware- Jinmengyo said before she left the scene, to start serving the food, the smell of fried fish filled the room almost instantly.
-Thanks for the meal!- The whole Cadre said together as one.
-Enjoy my pride and joy- Jinmengyo said proudly, sitting down to eat with the Crusaders, she loved the colourful and lively company.
The Feast passed by very slowly, each Friend was enjoying the food without rushing for once, to enjoy the taste and not have this last meal together to end way too quickly. Seeing each of the Crusaders fall silent, once every single Friend had finished eating, it made the table feel a bit too somber for Jinmengyo's liking. Jinmengyo brought in the dessert that she had prepared, as a surprise for the Cadre. It was something very simple but it was made with all of her love for those who were her Heroines.
-It looks "Great"!- Bald Eagle said wanting to be served first.
-What is this?- Boomslang asked, as Bald Eagle was about to start eating her slice, without waiting for Jinmengyo to answer.
-It's basically a really big muffin, Queque, that's what he used to call it- Jinmengyo answered, her eyes on Père David's Deer.
-Who used to call it that?- Nidhogg asked feeling quite curious.
-A Human- Jinmengyo said nonchalantly with a very soft smile.
-You always say very good things about Humans, it makes me wonder why they left Japari Park, you know?- Nidhogg asked pondering about Japari Park's past, that lead to it's poor state.
-They didn't leave because they wanted to, it was a cruel twist of fate- Rhyolite said remembering her old human crew, how she joined the Crusader Cadre, Humans were truly noble creatures.
-With how highly you speak of Humans, I do wanna meet them one day- Narwhal said remembering all the stories Jinmengyo, Rhyolite, Collared Peccary and Père David's Deer had told her.
-For now, you'll have to settle down... with just my stories, the Humans will not return anytime soon- Rhyolite said, stuttering once and then sighed, she still struggled to say long sentences.
-I wouldn't mind hearing your story!- Nidhogg said to Rhyolite.
-Yeah, tell it once again, my Strawberry- Collared Peccary said.
As Rhyolite began stating her date of creation and how she was programmed as an AI by the Humans, Sphinx stood up silently and walked away, Horus hinted Père David's Deer to follow her.
Père David's Deer put on her mask and tried to prepare herself, she knew that Sphinx would tell her, whatever secret she kept from the rest of the Cadre. Once the two Friends were on their
own Horus had the Medjai stand guard on the doors, that they just had walked past. Père David's Deer was already terrified.
-Sorry for the secrecy, but this is a very important matter, for Sphinx and for me as well- Horus said landing on Père David's Deer shoulder, the God bowed respectfully to her once again.
-You've earned Horus' trust, that is no small feat, you also saved my life and nursed me back to health- Sphinx said, she bowed before Père David's Deer, reaching out to kiss her hand.
-Stop making me blush and tell me what's the real deal!- Père David's Deer begged as that kind of courting always got to her.
-I'm sorry, I am just really grateful to you, okay?- Sphinx said.
-That's fine, I'm glad but I wanna know, this wait is getting to me!- Père David's Deer said, she saw Sphinx's standing up with her expression darkening, the Deer was intimidated a bit again.
Sphinx looked at Horus, he nodded at her, she finally spoke up.
-Horus thinks you could be the vessel of his bastard brother- Sphinx said, shocking Père David's Deer to the point the Deer had no response, she just stared at Sphinx in silent disbelief.
-You have proven to be resourceful, resilient and reliable, you could please him, hopefully- Horus said, his wing stroking Père David's Deer hair slowly, in a rather comforting and loving way.
-If you wish to stay, you must find an Astral Guardian that can protect you, I don't want you to get hurt or worse- Sphinx said.
-Since when do you just simply go and find an Astral Guardian willing to help you just like that!?- Père David's Deer said quite exasperated, Japari Park had gone totally insane within a single year, she couldn't fathom in having an Astral Guardian herself.
-You don't, simply put with how things are turning out, he can't sit idle anymore- Horus explained how an Astral Guardian could be available like that, it simply had no worthy host to use itself.
-Both Jinmengyo, Horus and I think you are fit to be the Friend to serve this Astral Guardian, that's still waiting in the sidelines of this conflict- Sphinx backed up Horus, she further explained why the secrecy around this matter, it was a big responsibility.
Père David's Deer thought about it, she was vulnerable without an Astral Guardian, but she enjoyed her privacy and being able to keep things to herself. Père David's Deer could no longer do any of that, with an Astral Guardian in tow, but she knew that it was her responsibility to get one and provide support to her Cadre.
-Okay, I'm up for it, I'll do what I can!- Père David's Deer said, earning a very pretty smile from Sphinx, while Horus did a very silly and happy dance, unfit for an Astral Guardian of his status.
-If you feel inclined to change your mind at any given moment, just say so, neither of us will think less of you- Horus said in a gentle tone, his comment really hurt Père David's Deer pride.
-I am not afraid!- Père David's Deer yelled in response, to her surprise Horus remained in silence, while Sphinx smiled at her in a touching way then she moved in to hug Père David's Deer.
That gesture confused Père David's Deer, while she knew that Sphinx did want to make it up to her for saving her life, this hug felt like something else. It felt as if Sphinx comforted Père David's Deer over something that would happen eventually, Sphinx's physical affection filled Père David's Deer with dread.
-You will be- Horus said, as if the Astral Guardian knew what Père David's Deer was thinking, the Deer shuddered and sank her face in Sphinx's bosom, Père David's Deer had to be brave.
Père David's Deer had nothing else to say, knowingly Sphinx guided her back to the Feast, where Rhyolite was still telling her story about her origin. About how her physical form and her consciousness were made by different people and became a single entity in the end. Père David's Deer thought about it and considered if that's how Astral Guardians and the Friends would coexist in the future, the idea of having one terrified her.
But for the sake of Japari Park and her Cadre, she'd let one use her as it's host, even if it was someone so dreadful that neither Horus or Sphinx dared to speak its name at all in her presence.
Even if it was a God of Death, Père David's Deer would earn its blessing, to see things through together to the very bitter end.