Chapter 16
Dragonfire Conquest
At long last, after days of constant walking, fighting, and bizarre encounters, the final goal was in sight. The mission that had brought and stranded the Jedi on Draconia was nearly at an end. But what perils might await them at the foot of the mountain? What could ever hinder the group's progress after so much has been faced already? Could anything really surprise them at this point? Maybe nothing. Or it may be the greatest trial the heroes have faced yet, one that will astound all of them. However, one in particular will be affected more greatly than the others. Who exactly? Maybe the text will point it out better than I can… What are you still looking at? Just look below you dunce!
(It is now twilight. Our heroes have left the great wide path and are on a very narrow, tree-lined one)
Sara: To think it's nearly over.
Will: Not quite, dear. We still need to climb to the top of those peaks, and I doubt that's gonna happen before nighttime.
Squishy: Who cares. I just know tomorrow is gonna be our last day here.
Sylvia: How are you so certain?
Squishy: Because transportation is always available at the end of these excursions, dear. Hee hee!
Sylvia: Hmmm. It usually is, come to think of it.
Lann: I definitely had a blast being with you guys. You're all pretty cool to hang with, especially you Copeland.
Cope: Alex.
Gray: It was fun slaying in a group this big. Been a long while since I adventured with a party as diverse as this one.
Sam Jackson: Despite some questionable decisions and unpleasant run-ins, overall I say you did a good job keeping me safe as promised. When I get back home and spend a few weeks doing absolutely nothing, I'll see about inviting you over for a party at my place. A real celebrity-style shindig as thanks.
Jo: I appreciate the appreciation you're all showing. And gotta say, even if we had our disagreements, it was refreshing working with some new faces. Finding people capable of keeping up with the likes of us is depressingly rare, so whatever gripes I've expressed, I just want you three to know that it's been— (Trips) Whoa!
Group: Jo!
(They grab Jo and pull him back into standing)
Jo: Who put this drop here?
(They all gather round him and see a drop of thirty feet. Looking across a distance of about sixty feet they see the rest of the forest past what appears to be a massive pit)
Rick: (Whistles) That's some fall. You could have gotten a pretty nasty bump, Jo.
Jo: Yeah, if I didn't have my hair positioned the right way.
Sally: Looky there!
(Down below we see a clearing of grass, some rocks and one other thing. In the middle there's a large mound-shaped shrine with a bell altar on it. Lying in the zen garden beneath the bell is a fair figure in white clothes)
Sally: Isn't that Sentina down there?
Stan: Sentina?
Jo: I'll be derned, it is her!
Sara: What is she doing down there like that? Wait, I've seen that shrine somewhere before.
Will: Yeah: This morning when we left camp.
Sara: But what's it doing here?
Anna: I'm getting a bad bit of foreboding in the Force, guys.
(There's a tremor, and the ground loosens and breaks, sending everyone falling and yelling. They hit the clearing below with an Oof!)
Sara: Ow my butt!
Sally: At least you have a butt. I think I just bent my tail.
Will: Guess that saved us the trouble of getting down here, at least.
Sam Jackson: But what was with that quake—
So glad that you could "drop" in. Heh heh heh.
Gray: Hur?
Cope: Who said that? And who taught you how to wordplay?
I have been watching you for some time; bore witness to the many crimes you have committed. As you continued your swath of destruction, you have proven yourselves more of a threat to myself. There was a time when I could simply ignore you all, but as I am on the verge of achieving my goal, I can no longer let you walk this earth. Nothing must prevent the coming of my Grand Reign.
Will: Wait a sec; that threatening, self-indulgent tone...
Anna: That background mumbling..
I chose this place as the site for the unveiling of what exactly you are dealing with…. and how declining my offer was both your worst, and last mistake!
(The whole place starts rumbling as a mini-earthquake happens. Amidst all this shaking Sentina wakes up atop the shrine)
Sentina: Huh? What is this? (Notices group) Hey, what's going o—
(There is a great roar that sends walls of dirt flying around the clearing. Cracks form around the shrine, and in a blast it comes out of the ground. Through the dust we see a writhing serpentine form, and as the dust clears more forms are spotted. Once the air clears completely the Jedi gape in awe at the sight floating before them. The shrine is floating ten feet off the ground, and attached to it is the long neck and covered head of Orochi. Not only that, but there are seven other lookalikes sticking out of the other parts of the shrine, each of them wearing hats of different shapes and colors bearing a different kanji symbol in white. As the heroes look on as we also see the great monstrosity emanating a great mystical aura of a near-Godly brilliance. What they beheld… was a legend)
Orochi
Okami Edition
Orochi: We meet again, Outlanders. Only now you stand before my entire form. Every inch of my being radiates terrible power; your feeble mortal minds can barely comprehend such raw magnificence.
Sam Jackson: What…. The…. H**l?
Lann: So that's where his other heads were, but d**n: he looks pure kick-a**. More so than the actual legends described him as.
Stan: Hey! What are you doing with Sentina?
Orochi: Eh? One dares to speak out of turn so defiantly? Impetuousness such as that has dashed any hope of mercy in regards to your collective demises.
Will: There he goes again.
Squishy: How about answering the question?
Orochi: What sense would there be in answering when I hinted at my grand intentions days ago, and practically announced mere moments before unveiling my entire form.
Anna: Could you just spell it out for our feeble minds, Ol' Decadent One?
Orochi: Complete Rule is what I am after: Of the land, the sea, and the stars in the night sky. All of that will soon be mine.
Rick: And what makes you believe that?
Orochi: Because that's what I've been steadily working towards ever since I arrived in this foreign world, and it is almost at an end.
Cope: What work exactly? It's been nothing but bluster we've been getting from you.
Sally: And also stealing dad's mushrooms.
Squishy: Me precious stash!
Orochi: Still you remain indifferent to my terrifying presence. Why haven't you been frightened into silence by my omnipotent aura? Do I not look like the very epitome of nature's wrath which your kind has feared since those frigid nights huddled in your caves?
Lann: You do indeed look cool, but all that talking is ruining it.
Anna: We've seen far scarier things than you, bub.
Cope: Like Jo's Booty Crank.
Jo: D**n straight! What?
Gray: Hey let's not go getting sidetracked here. I wanna know what this big bad dragon has been doing to make himself worth taking as a threat.
Sylvia: As Lann put it, you're primarily talk from what we've seen.
Sara: All flash no show, is that it?
Orochi: Grah! I tire of your vain yet irksome attempts at insulting me. Maybe it'd be easier if I told you everything all at once. Since you're all going to perish anyway, this should give you some peace of mind before the end, as well as shut you up!
Jo: Sounds fine by me. Talk away, Big Guy.
Orochi: Grr…. You'll all suffer dearly, but only after I have spoken.
In the realm I was borne from I was darkness incarnate whose wrath was unmatched. All mortal men cowered before me, and I feasted upon the fairest maiden of any village without hindrance. But when I was thrust into this new world I found myself weak, disoriented, as if I had awoken from a great slumber. My power was stripped from me, and I was at a loss as to why. Then it struck: The hunger. An undying, burning desire to consume, and only one thing could quench it: The flesh of my fellow kin, the dragons.
Group: (Great gasps)
Orochi: There was a great abundance of them in this land, so it was inevitable that I would whet my impressive fangs upon divine meat. Yet, after my first bite, I noticed something. Upon eating the dragon, I felt rejuvenated, enriched, empowered. After I finished I could sense a fragment of my previous power, and that's when the cause for my weakened state became apparent. From where I originate from, I am the one true divine serpent. Yet here, the land is covered with them, of varying shapes and sizes. Because I was no longer unique, my divinity meant nothing, for it was shared among so many others. But in devouring one of them, I had regained some of my former influence. Thus it became clear what I needed to do to reclaim my glory: Consume every dragon in this land until only I remained. Only then would I retake my status as the sole existing divine serpent.
Sally: That's just crazy! Isn't it? (Gets shrugs from others)
Orochi: As I fed, my senses became more and more honed. I could feel all aspects of my surroundings, and eventually I could even feel the life present beyond the night sky. To my unfortunate surprise I detected other great dragons were scattered amid the cosmos. This filled me with roiling outrage as I had no means of vacating this terrestrial plane to devour those among the stars. It had appeared I would be resigned to ruling over this planet alone… that was, until I came across this particular specimen. (Shakes head, indicating top of shrine and Sentina)
Sentina: Huh? M-me?
Orochi: I had believed she was a simple maiden when I laid my eyes on her; the first I had seen in this realm. I craved that sweet innocent blood in that moment, but upon getting a taste… I was absolutely astonished. In my daze I was struck by lightning which she fired from her mouth, forcing me to strike quickly and retreat to the shadows. That retaliation was proof she was no "maiden" but a dragon. But the taste of her blood, it proved beyond any doubt how special she was. The blood that flows through her veins is the purest I had ever tasted; it held a deep richness comparable to the gods. The might contained within this breed of dragon could easily match the glory of the Celestial Plains. To set it aflame. Encountering her was a sign that my ambitions would find success.
Sentina: That shadow… It was you! You attacked me that day!
Gray: Hur? He was the one who did that?
Stan: You left her to suffer and die you monster!
Orochi: But it was your kindness that saved her. And for that, you have my sincerest gratitude.
Group: Wha!?
Orochi: Because of your intervention, the final stage of my ascension was preserved. For in order to reap all her power, I needed to consume her alive!
Group: Whaaaat!?
Sentina: You're going to eat me?!
Orochi: But of course! With your volatile nature stymied by my nullification bell, you'll make a most tender, delectable dish. And with your essence absorbed into my being I can begin my ultimate task: The Great Cleansing! With your pure dragon blood complementing my mythical power, I can transfer myself to anywhere I desire. I will traverse this galaxy, scouring it of all other dragons. I will take their life flames to further kindle my own. Soon mine will be the last to blaze, and its size and brilliance will outmatch any sun. I will become the center of this universe, and from there I will bring forth an age of fathomless darkness, one that will far, far surpass the one I held reign over in my previous dimension. On that day, the mortals of this realm will acknowledge me as their True God, for the rule of Orochi will be ETERNAL!
Squishy: Dear God…. An age of darkness straight from mythological text.
Will: And run by a floating, eight-headed turtle no less.
Jo: Like h**l we're gonna let some snake with a God-complex plunge our galaxy into darkness!
Anna: That's right! We already got a bald guy with a God-complex running things just fine, and we only have to deal with acts of cross-breeding, perversity, randomness and the occasional simian sodomy.
Lann: The spot of Head Honcho is already taken is what she's saying, so go take a hike!
Orochi: I have put up with your mockery for long enough. Although you have preserved my sacrifice's life, you remain disrespectful, and furthermore pose a threat to me. You have been killing dragons steadily for days, depriving me of my energy source. And undoubtedly your bloodlust would eventually lead you to me, thus I shall destroy you preemptively, within this arena of my choosing! Only then will my ascension occur fully unhindered.
Stan: Well that's your mistake right there, because we'll never fall to one as pompous as you!
Orochi: And what makes you so sure of that, you impertinent hatchling?
Stan: Because we're Jedi, and I won't let you hurt Sentina ever again!
Sentina: S-Stan?
Orochi: Why does this creature matter to you? To one as supreme as myself, she's only fit to be a meal. A snack to fill my gullet with power and meat!
Stan: (Shaking with anger) Why you… You put Sentina down right now! (Whips out saber with a mean look)
Orochi: You're serious, aren't you?
Stan: Dead serious! I'm a Jedi Knight, and I refuse to allow you to bring harm to innocents: Both out of protocol, and for my personal reasons! So put her down you bully and I'll make sure you get a quick clean—
(One of Orochi's heads sweeps down and whacks Stan into a skyward trajectory, where he disappears yelling into the mauve sky. His deactivated lightsaber hilt hits the ground with hardly a sound)
Group: STAN!
Orochi: Hmph. Unsatisfying. The rest of you will have to receive quadruple the punishment to make up for his insolence alongside yours.
Jo: This is it: The final battle, sorta. Time to do this!
Will: I'm not so sure. He just offed Stan in one hit.
Sally: How… How can this happen again? Stan…
Cope: Then you fight in his memory! Pull yourself together!
Rick: I highly doubt he's dead. He just took a trip.
Squishy: Your brother's right, Sally. You can't give in yet!
Sylvia: We have to stay strong, honey! For both Sentina's and Stan's sake!
Sally: Y-Yeah! You're gonna pay ya toothy a**hole!
Lann: That's the spirit! Let's get it on!
Orochi: So be it. (Rises higher in the air) I offered you the chance to assist my grand design, but your "values" made you squander your one chance at survival. Bear witness to the frivolity of your ideals, and the foolishness in making light of my threats.
Jo: Show us what ya got, Octo-Pussy!
Group: …..
Jo: What? That was clever and you know it. Shut up!
Orochi: Outlanders, be forever SILENT!
(The battle begins. Immediately the group scatters as the lead Orochi head slams down to deliver a pound. As everyone moves around the perimeter of the arena they face off with the seven other heads. For the most part they try to bite and swing, but they also throw in elemental attacks. A head with a yellow hat rains down lightning that further scatters our heroes. One with a green curved hat summons a whirlwind that blows at the Jedi and trips them up, leaving them open to get knocked back by a sweep. Lann leaps in and hits a neck with his sword, only to get a clang and barely dodges an attacking head. An ice helmet one bites at Gray who slashes back, but his arm blades only bounce off it. The head rears back and charges with energy as Gray does the same, and both unleash great blizzard breaths of equal size that knocks both of them away. Amid all this the Jedi continue to run, dodge and strike without doing damage. Then a head with a black helmet pulls back and spits out two big plant buds that land in front of a fleeing Sally)
Sally: Oooh, what are these?
(She pokes one and it explodes, unleashing a massive cloud of darkness that covers everything)
Cope: What the H**l!?
Anna: I'm blind I tells ya I'm blindeded!
Sara: Where are you guys!? I can't see you!
(A head smacks her off her feet and into a wall. The air clears and looming over her is one ravenous head)
Orochi: Your maiden heart is mine!
Sara: EEEEEEEEE—wait, you think I'm a maiden? That's so sweet of you!
Bruce Campbell: Yo! He-b***h! (We see Bruce off to the side loading a shotgun) How bout a little lead before dessert?
(Orochi looks over with a roar, and that's when Bruce fires eight trickster shots that disorient all the heads)
Sara: My hero .
Bruce Campbell: A pleasure, babe. Be on the lookout for future cameos.
(Leaps away. Sara recovers and runs off to rejoin the others who are now grouped on one edge of the arena)
Sara: I'm lucky the Surgeon General was able to save me, Will.
Will: If I could see I would've come running. Also, who?
Jo: This guy is tough as five-year-old fruit cake. No way he's gonna go down at this rate.
Gray: We should get out of here and re-strategize.
Sylvia: But we can't leave Sentina up there!
(Suddenly Sam Jackson steps forward as The Octopus from "The Spirit)
Sam Jackson: Eight heads, huh? Heh heh, well here's my eight!
(He whips out two four-barreled pistols and unloads into the lead Orochi head)
Orochi: Charred wretch! I will tear you to shreds!
(Sam leaps aside from the striking head, continuing to fire ludicrous amounts of bullets into the armored beast. Two heads come in and nab his guns, but he just pulls out two more and fires into the next two attacking heads. One head strikes into the ground at his feet, but he hops up as it collides, allowing him to casually walk up the neck without stopping his barrage. The bullets run out, so he busts out four double-barreled shotguns which he juggles and fires at the attacking heads. When the shells run out four heads strike, but for each one Sam slams an empty gun into their gaping maws, forcing them stuck open. A fifth head tries snapping from behind but Sam pulls out a cat'o eight tails and whips it back. Then a sixth head comes up and tries to bite him from above but misses, and a moment later Sam pops up from behind and slams a porcelain toilet on its dome)
Cope: That movie was such hot garbage!
Lann: Eh, it's enjoyable as a dumb guilty pleasure. And also if you didn't read the source material.
Sylvia: That seemed more effective than the bullets.
(The lead head with the fire helmet rises up and charges fire in its mouth. As it does so, Sam whips out a bandolier with eight grenades on it, which he tosses forward as Orochi lets out a fireball. The two collide and a great smoky blast fills the air, through which Sam flies through and lands on the garden of the shrine next to Sentina)
Sam Jackson: Come on, girl. We're spiriting up out of here.
(Suddenly the jaws of an Orochi head clamps sideways onto Sam and pulls him away. The head waggles about madly before releasing the celeb with great force down at the ground. With a groaning effort he extricates himself from his personal crater as the others hurry to him, back in his usual clothes)
Sara: Sam! Are you alright?
Sam Jackson: Ugh… Why am I eating dirt?
Sally: You were so awesome the way you walked all over that loser!
Sam Jackson: I was? (Smug smile) Well, naturally. Uh, mind telling me what was your favorite part?
(At that instant the orange helmet head breathes a wall of flame)
Lann: Wind Forge!
(A great breeze comes and disperses the flames. The heads continue their assault of bites and sweeps along with rock, water and poison attacks. After a time)
Squishy: It's hopeless! We can't put a scratch in him!
Lann: Of course we can't: he's set up to be so! He's got an impenetrable barrier all over his body, and the only way to bring it down is to get him drunk.
Anna: Drunk?! What sort of weakness is that?
Lann: A realistic one, I don't know! But we need something strong and ample, and I only have enough just for me.
Jo: Like ten gallons?
(Squishy is seen looking around before his eyes light up)
Squishy: I have an idea!
(He rushes over to Sam Jackson and rummages in his jacket)
Sam Jackson: Hey! The f*** are you—?
(Squishy pulls out eight bottles of Kraken Rum triumphantly, then twists and flings them upward. They sail in an arch and separate, each one falling toward an individual snake head. The heads take the bottles in their mouths at once and chug, and after emptying and spitting them out
they suddenly turn a sickly purple and begin swaying)
Orochi: Ohhh what now gruh… I'm seeing stars and hey this air is spinning wheeee it's all fun hee hee hee (hic) hee hee (hic) hee hee hee (hic). Ah man I'm, I'm droppin' out, muuuuuuuuaahhh.
(Orochi drops like a rock and hits the ground hard with a great rumble and all his heads follow suit, eyes rolling and stars circling their heads. There is complete silence afterwards)
Lann: Huh. Guess that stuff's on par with divine sake.
Will: Never would have guessed.
Sam Jackson: Didn't know I had that stuff on me. But why'd you go and waste it without asking me first?
Squishy: Consider it payback for throwing me like a football earlier.
Gray: Smart thinking, little guy. Now for the rescue!
(In a single bound he leaps up to the settled shrine next to Sentina)
Gray: Okay Sentina, time to get you out of here.
(Turning to the orange hat head of Orochi, we see a giant seltzer tablet appear and get popped into its mouth. After swallowing it, the head's eyes focus and it growls with a bit of foam. There is a steady rumble that catches Gray's attention, until the entire shrine erupts in flames and launches him off)
Gray: AIIIIIIEEEEEEE!
(He bounces along the ground in a silly fashion patting his rear. As he's doing that, the whole of Orochi regains its former luster and rises back up into the air, with the heads looking active and fierce as the flames serve to surround shrine, keeping Sentina totally confined)
Orochi: You all got too close that time! I have no choice but to release ALL My Power!
(He begins shaking violently while growling. The heroes look on unsure of what to expect. Then it happens: With one great roar the heads wave around wildly and the sides of the shrine mound rupture, bearing fissures from which MORE heads sprout out! Over a dozen deformed appendages snake their way into the light and writhe and screech as though in sheer agony. Among these heads are some familiar draconic faces: Zombie Dragon, Earth Wyrm, dragonmare, Wind Dragon, Robo Dragon, and even Magma Dragoon. The heroes stand watching this with profound horror and disgust)
Cope: (Quivering) What… the F**king… F***?!
Sam Jackson: Same feel, pal...
Orochi: Behold the breadth of your sins! Among the dragons I have absorbed I have included all those that you have slain during your time here! This is just a glimpse of what my final outcome entails. Once I've completed my campaign, the face of every dragon will bear the name Orochi!
Gray: Oh god….. (Falls to knees) I never thought it'd happen. I thought there would be no consequences. But now everything I've killed has come back to exact revenge. Oh What Have I Done?!
Orochi: That's it, grovel! Grovel before your terrible new ruler, and accept your deaths!
(He rises higher up and loads of heads shoot out to face the heroes. Everyone is stuck fighting one or two heads, and every time they slice a head another takes its place)
Lann: D***it! He's got hydra powers now!
Rick: You mean there's going to be no end to these things?
Jo: Focus on defense until we work something out! No sense getting ourselves swamped!
(The eight main Orochi heads look on and chuckle at the heroes' situation, then they all turn and look at the shrine. The flame barrier lowers, revealing a scared Sentina)
Orochi: Now Pure Blood, your end is finally at hand. With your sacrifice, I can finally begin the Great Cleansing and claim my Supreme Rule!
(The heads open wide and go for Sentina, who is rigid with fear)
?: Hold it right there, Foul Beast!
(The heads stop)
Orochi: Eh?
(The heads look around. Directly across from them, standing on the ledge overlooking the arena, there stands a very serious-looking… Stan?)
Group: STAN?!
Sentina: Stan! You're okay!
(To "True Susano-o" from Okami, the Jaa-Ruuk stands in a hardened stance with a determined, fearless look. Wrapped around his forehead is the bandana worn by kamikaze pilots. Which is rather fitting, considering how suicidal he is announcing himself like this)
Orochi: Ah, the impetuous whelp returns. Looking to take another flight, or to become a snack?
Stan: I didn't come back to make small talk, fiend. I came to see you vanquished!
Orochi: Still wanting to uphold your duties of protecting the weak, eh boy?
Stan: Not just my duties as a Jedi. My soul is aflame, and its heat drives me to punish all those who wish to hurt those I care for. And you're wanting to turn the one whom I care most for into a tool for galactic conquest. That is unforgivable, and I will see to it that you're thwarted and Sentina remains safe, even if I have to die in the process!
Sentina: What?
Sally: Stan you're alive!
Rick: Told you.
Will: Uh, Stan, it's good seeing you alright and all, but maybe you'd want to come down here and better your chances?
Anna: Yeah kid! Look at all those squirmy heads!
Stan: It matters not how many heads or how many sets of razor-sharp teeth I must face. My perseverance and determination will break through any defense he can muster, and my claws shall extinguish his malignant life. And with courage and confidence fueling my every move, I can surmount evil in whatever number and form it takes!
Squishy: Son…
Sylvia: (Realizing) Oh. Oh my… It's just like...
Cope: Where'd all this come from anyway? You alright?
Orochi: So, the whelp rises to become the presumptuous knight. An interesting turn, but one I've seen before. Your lowly self cannot possibly match my full strength.
(Brings up all heads to bare)
Stan: That's okay; I wasn't just going to rely on words, anyway. Ready yourself, Serpent!
(Stan leaps and flips from the ledge toward the arena floor below. Upon hitting dirt he flips to avoid a head strike and dashes to pass other strikes. He leaps into the air and starts slashing at heads and leaping off necks, deflecting bites with his claws and keeping airborne. Stan delivers a surprising display of speed and fisticuffs to the group's amazement)
Lann: Huh. He's actually pretty good.
Jo: He sorta reminds me of you, Rick.
Rick: Hmph.
Squishy: Jedi acrobatics going hand-in-hand with natural Ssi-Ruuk speed. Always knew he had it in him, just like his brother and sister.
Gray: He fights for a personal cause. His eyes speak as much, and boy are they blazing bright.
Sylvia: Hmhmhm, it really is like how you were, Squishy.
Sally: Come on, Stan! You can do it!
(Stan continues to elude the many jaws, which frustrate Orochi to attack harder and harder and more ruthlessly. At some point the heads manage to wear down Stan a bit and send him falling back to earth. Once on terra firma all the heads commence a combined strike that leaves Stan dodging and sidestepping and growing more tired. Eventually Stan makes it out onto a clear spot, only to have a discolored Mecha-Saladramon head come down on him. Stan reflexively grabs both jaws of the head and holds the threatening teeth over him. However, Stan struggles to hold it back as it applies even more pressure, pressing the Jaa-Ruuk harder into the ground. Stan drops his head in trying to gather more strength, the strain visible on his face)
Sylvia: Stanley!
Gray: Dig in deep! You got this!
(The eight main heads lower and look at the weakening Stan, smirking and chuckling with cruel amusement)
Orochi: A valiant display. I will admit, young knight, you are quite swift. But, I am beyond speed. I am beyond strength. For I am the darkness that devours the sun and moon. The Lunarians with all their advanced technologies were swallowed by the miasma I produced, and even the ones who fled couldn't escape for long. My essence will seep into every inch of your galaxy; no maiden, no innocent will be safe. (Tilts head) Does that make you tremble? The realization that you can never hope to overpower me and save your friends. You should give in, surrender yourself to my maw and spare yourself the despair of disappointing them… of failing your precious love.
(Stan's eyes widen and flare red)
Orochi: What a failure that will be, indeed. And it will be most palpable right before I bite off her pretty head before your quivering, weak, helpless eyes.
(Suddenly a surge of rage and strength rushes to Stan's every limb, and with tremendous force he straightens his arms out completely, widening Mecha-Saladramon's jaws to the point of snapping and ripping apart. Once free, Stan leaps high across the arena and lands back onto the ledge he previously stood on. He looks down at Orochi shaking with fury, much to the monster's surprise and curiosity)
Stan: You shall do no such thing to anyone! And especially not to her! Vile Serpent, your ambitions end NOW! And it's gonna hurt like a mother!
(He closes his eyes, sticks his arms out, takes some deep breaths, and begins humming as he moves them around in a tranquil manner. As he does this, a vibrant green aura rises around him, intensifying in brilliance as he attains his center. As it does so, transparent feathery wings of energy sprout up near his back. Once he is 100% focused and at one with both his desires and his body, he snaps his eyes open)
Stan: Susano-Style: Stan Remix!
(He strikes a pose and both his claws gain a brilliant gleam, then leaps at the monstrosity as "The Seventh Seal" from Okami plays, rending his claws at every head he comes across and scoring a gory decapitation with every swipe)
Stan: I, (Chops head) Really, (Chops head), Don't, (Chops head) Approve, (Chops head) Your, (Chops head) Malignant, (Another head) Nature, (Another) Nor, (Another) Your, (Another) Dark, (Another) Machinations, (Another) Whatsoever, (Two heads) And, (Another) Furthermore, (Three heads) I Condemn, (Four heads) Your Intentions, (Three heads) Of Hurting, (Five heads) My Friends, (Seven heads) And Loved Ones!
(A few dozen heads go flying off. Stan returns to the cliff as we see a great mass of necks go limp. The lone orange hat Orochi head looks around himself, fretting in disbelief)
Orochi: What?! This Again?!
(All eyes turn to Stan)
Stan: Susano-Style: Banishing Claw!
(He pulls back his right arm, and the claws on it glow in a sheet of white energy)
Orochi: What… What….. What Is This?!
Stan: Make your peace, Orochi: It's OVER!
(He leaps up high into the air in an arch yelling. Midway through his flight he descends toward the flabbergasted beast with his right arm still held back. In that instant his claws expand and fuse into a single claw five times his size and resembling a great blinding white sickle. Everyone looks on with awe, surprise and anticipation except for Orochi, who now has the look of utmost fear and defeat. In a single slash Stan brings the claw through Orochi, and all becomes still. Only the wind ruins the silence of the moment)
Orochi: Done in… by another… hot-blooded romantic…. What a crock.
(His head and body split into three diagonal slices. Then suddenly the mythical beast explodes into bursts of red fluid, which erupt into showers of cherry blossoms to the sound of "Seven Spirited Lives" from Okami. Hundreds of flowers erupt from where the main body used to hang in the air, and the blossoms accompany Stan as he lands back on solid ground within a newly-risen meadow, his aura and ephemeral wings dispersing. After a moment he holds out his arms, and Sentina falls into them gently)
Sentina: (After getting her bearings) I'm, I'm alright. And that thing is… (Looks over Stan) Oh, hi there. You took him out all on your own. That's just incredible, Stan!
Stan: I wasn't going to let him hurt you again, Sentina. I'd do anything to ensure your safety, whether that's fighting a large serpent or even blowing up a sun. I'd even let my tail get chopped off if it meant you could continue singing and living in happiness.
Sentina: Uhhhh, heheh. That's awfully flattering for you to say, Stan, but also kinda weird. Are you okay?
Stan: I'm about to be, because I have something to confess: Something I've come to accept and is making me feel higher than any eagle or dragon on this planet. Sentina… I love you.
Sentina: !
Group: !
Audience: !
FCC: -_-,
Yiffer: :')
Sentina: (Blushing) Did, did you just say..?
Stan: When I first laid eyes on you and heard you sing the other day I felt the calmest I had ever felt in my life, and afterwards I couldn't get you out of my head, even when we were in the midst of combat. I wondered exactly what sort of person is this who can sing so well and look so beautiful, and then fate or misfortune or whatever brought us to you in your time of need and I could finally understand who this person was. In our conversation, I could tell you were someone much like myself: wanting to get out, be free, enjoy life, kept down by something up to that point. For me it's my own self-doubt and insecurities, and being around you makes them go away. When you let me touch your scales… I knew shortly after that I wanted to be with you more. For the rest of my life.
That's how you make me feel, Sentina: I want to know you more, protect you, and love you endlessly. And surely… you feel the same towards me.
(Silence as Sentina takes all that in)
Sam Jackson: Whoooa, she honestly let him get to second base?
Jo: I didn't think he had it in him. Huhhh...
Will: Incredibly sudden is what I have to say.
Sara: It's called love at first sight, Will.
Lann: And it couldn't have been with a finer lady. Right on, Stan-me-boy.
Sally: Oh My God is this really happening? Oooh I'm so jealous but I'm also happy he's got himself a girlfriend eeeeeee he's growing up!
Rick: It's not that big a deal, Sal.
Gray: You the man, Stan! Bag that maiden!
Group: SSSSHHH!
Gray: Whaaat?
Sentina: Ummmmm, well uhhhh… Are you being serious right now?
Stan: Huh?
Sentina: I was just nearly eaten by a multi-headed monster serpent, and you find this the right time to confess your feelings to me? I appreciate you for saving me, but I'm still pretty shaken up by all that's happened and I would really like to take a bath. Besides, we've only known each other for less than a day and you want to spend the rest of your life with me? Again, weirdly flattering but… that's just too much.
Stan: You're, you're saying that…?
Sentina: I'm not sharing those same feelings of yours?
(Prolonged silence. Inside Stan's head, a synapse snaps)
Stan: WHAAAAAAAAAAAT…
(He holds a shocked look with his jaws slack and his eye twitching as he stares blankly up at the sky. A big fat L takes the place of the dot on his bandanna)
ÜBER
REJECTION!
GRAND
HUMILIATION!
Sentina: Aaaand now I just made things more awkward. Whoops. (Sees the looks of everyone who witnessed the utter destruction of a young man's heart) I should probably go. (Gingerly extricates herself from Stan's arms and back onto feet) Thank you all for saving me, again. Umm….. Take care!
(Runs away. Stan is left standing stock still, his brain rigid with dejection and embarrassment)
Will: Yeowch.
Sara: Poor Stan.
Rick: Not feeling as bad for him, but still… yeah, that's rough.
Sally: It really truly is.
(Sam Jackson walks up to Stan and places a comforting hand on his shoulder)
Sam Jackson: All I gotta say is… D**n. Just straight… unnh! But, you're still young. You'll bounce back, and it'll build up that character of yours. Just remember, as Mr. Big put it: A broken heart can't be that bad.
(Pats him and leaves. Stan's bandanna peels off and floats lazily to the ground as his higher brain functions come back online and immediately comes to grips with what has happened)
Stan: I… I said all that, right to her. What, what was I… What was I thinking? (Groans and grabs head) I frickin' blewwwww it…
Lann: Yeah, I know this all too well. Doesn't look pretty now, but you let it fester and it's just gonna get a whole lot messier for everyone involved. Have to console this one in the bud, pronto.
(Squishy steps forward with Sylvia following)
Squishy: Stanley? Son, it's… it's, uh, going to be okay. You, uh, did a spectacular job killing that guy. All by yourself! (Gets a look from Sylvia) I'm sorry. I just… can't imagine what you're feeling right now. And I apologize for not having something to say.
Will: (Whispers) He's never had a heartbreak?
Jo: (Whispers) He's only had the one girl.
Will: (Whispers) Ohhhh.
Sylvia: Stanley, I know you're feeling absolutely terrible, and humiliated. But that's natural. You see, before I met your father, or even left the Unknown Regions, there was this one warrior whom I—
Gray: Hey guys! There's still meat in these scales, fully cooked! It's a freakin' smorgasbord I tells ya!
Cope: Hot Diggedy Dang that's the best thing I heard all day!
Anna: Savory Spoils!
Sam Jackson: Ah H**l yeah make some room!
Squishy: What was that about a warrior?
Jo: Ready your forks and fluctuate that stomach acid: It's Chow Time!
Most of the Group: Yahoo!
(They leap at the food, abandoning Stan to his pain and despair, and Squishy to a new burning set of questions for his wife)
Thus the heroes feasted upon the once-mighty Orochi in celebration of their victory. The divine meat rejuvenated the group and put them in high spirits, resulting in hours of leisurely chit-chat, jokes, and merriment galore. Indeed, everyone was having a truly good time… save for one.
Stan, bearing a fresh, heavy burden of dejection and humiliation, was unable to enjoy the festivities his family and comrades partook in. Despondent and detached from the joy everyone was experiencing, the young Jaa-Ruuk slipped off into the forest without anyone's notice. After much wandering he came to a secluded spot to finally deal with the distressing thoughts plaguing him. Or at the very least, ease his troubled heart and mind with some peace and quiet.
(Pure night. The moon hangs large in the pitch black sea of stars above. A large flat-topped cliff juts out from the forest, in perfect view of the massive lake mere miles away. Sitting on the edge of the cliff sits Stan, mopey and throwing small rocks off into the dark landscape)
Stan: (Sigh) I ought to become a hermit. Would I be too young to be one, though? Age probably doesn't matter, but where would I even go? (Siiiigh) I'm too attached to the conveniences of modern living to rough it in the wilderness. Maybe I'll just go to Lwhekk instead. It's mostly wilderness and hardly anyone there would recognize me. Bet Grandpa would like seeing me. He could probably toughen me up, too.
(There's rustling from the woods behind him, followed by Sentina in her elf form stepping out onto the cliff, carrying something. Stan is visibly surprised when he turns to look)
Sentina: Hey, Stan.
Stan: S-S-Sentina? Uhh-uhhh, what are you doing here?
Sentina: Looking for you.
Stan: Really? Why?
Sentina: Mainly for your parents. I actually went back earlier to talk to you and found that everyone had set up camp and were having a party, but nobody knew where you were. Your dad wanted to go look for you, but I offered instead. They gave me some food to give to you if I found you, and luckily I did! (Walks up to the cliff edge beside Stan) May I sit here?
Stan: Uhhh, would you really want to? I thought you wouldn't want to be around me after what I, errr…
Sentina: Well you're not spouting declarations of devotion or sacrifice so it's fine, hmhm. Can I?
Stan: S-Sure.
(Sentina takes a seat on the cliff edge to Stan's right, and upon sitting she hands over a part of Orochi's scaly shell that's chock full of cooked meat. He gives it a sniff then bites into it)
Stan: It's delicious!
Sentina: I know, isn't it? Doesn't even need seasoning. Your parents were kind to offer me some too. Oh! And they wanted me to bring you this, as well.
(She holds out a metal cylinder, which Stan discerns in further surprise to be his lightsaber. He takes it and looks it over, finding no cracks or signs of breakage)
Stan: Wow, I honestly forgot about this. (Puts it away) Thank you, for bringing this. And the food.
Sentina: No problem. It's the very least I could do after you saved me.
Stan: Uh yeah! Of course, heh heh.
(The two settle on eating their respective meaty snacks in awkward silence, until after a few bites)
Stan: You said you had come back to speak to me.
Sentina: Yeah. I wanted to discuss… what had happened earlier. In private. And it's plenty private here.
Stan: Sure is. (Hangs head) I'm sorry for weirding you out.
Sentina: What possessed you to say all that to me? Just curious.
Stan: (Shrug) I dunno. Riding high on the moment? Because I thought it would make me look cool?
Sentina: Taking down a nigh-invincible dragon-eating monster wasn't cool enough?
Stan: Gaaahh I know I know. I had felt that more needed to be said despite all that. Like, it needed to be this big grand gesture. Probably has something to do with my parents.
Sentina: How's that?
Stan: Right before my mom and dad got married, mom had been kidnapped and dad went to save her. She had been brainwashed to fight him, but he saved her by singing this amazing song that snapped her out of it.
Sentina: Sounds like something from a fairy tale.
Stan: That's how it was told to me and my siblings back when we were kids. And get this: a few years ago, dad wound up getting kidnapped and brainwashed instead, and mom did all the singing to save him. Uh, with us providing backing instrumental.
Sentina: Wow. That's quite the family you have.
Stan: Totally. So back there, when I saw you being held prisoner, the kind of creature that was endangering you… I thought that would be my big fairy tale moment. Rising up, beating the odds and living happily ever after.
Sentina: With me as the prize?
Stan: (Siiiigh) I don't think of you as a prize to win. You're just so… beautiful, and kind, and I feel wonderful just being around you. I suppose I was just trying to let you know all that while also… wooing you with a lot of dramatic talk.
Sentina: (Giggles) I get that, though you really went overboard with the wooing part.
Stan: I know…
Sentina: (Puts hand on Stan's shoulder) You have to understand. Where I come from it's super dangerous just going outside: mercenaries, junkies, all sorts of nasty types that would attack anyone for just about any reason. That's why my mother kept me indoors much of my life, for my protection. And also because of her position, but I don't want to get into that. Because of that, I never had any actual friends, and especially not a boyfriend. "Far too young for that", mom would tell me. But I'm twenty-six, which is a respectable age for humans and meta-humans alike. Heck, even sixteen is adult enough from the things I read.
Stan: You're twenty-six?
Sentina: Yeah. Don't look anything like it, huh?
Stan: Well, I would've guessed just a few years younger than that.
Sentina: That so? Then what about you: what's your age?
Stan: Eleven.
Sentina:...What.
Stan: (Panicking) I know that sounds weird but I'm a full-grown adult, honest! At least, by Ssi-Ruuk standards. Me and my siblings matured faster thanks to our mixed biology, although no one exactly knows why or how (apart from magic). We don't bring it up on account of how uncomfortable it'd make people.
Sentina: Yet you still told me.
Stan: Thought it would be fair since you were honest about your age. You were, right?
Sentina: I was. (Sigh) This place is way too weird.
Stan: You don't know the half of it.
Sentina: Getting back to what I was saying, you just cannot expect me to jump into a relationship right on the spot, much less a lifelong bond.
Stan: I know. Barely know each other for a day, I come off as off-putting and creepy.
Sentina: Well… maybe not that far. You really are sweet, and I have to say, you're nice-looking for a dinosaur. And your big declaration aside, I also feel comfortable being around you. Probably because I never hang out with anyone besides the servants, but I really enjoy talking with you, even now. It's refreshing, like I can truly relax while being with another person. Plus, how could I not feel grateful for you coming to my rescue?
Stan: Heheheheh. Just, part of the job of being a Jedi.
Sentina: But having said all of that, those things only want me to just hang out with you. Walk around, go some place to eat. Get to know each other more. Like what we're doing now. I mean, I'm not even a novice when it comes to hanging out or dating, but even I know these kinds of things need to build gradually.
Stan: (Huff) Yeah. I tried blundering to the end. Even my parents had been dating up until that whole kidnapping-rescue moment.
Sentina: See? Not everything plays out like a storybook. It takes time.
Stan: Uh-huh. (Looking to Sentina) Soooo, you want to go out on a date?
Sentina: Tch, nice try. (Downs the rest of her snack in a huge bite) No. Right now I just want to be alone, clear my thoughts, mentally recover from almost being made into some gross monster's dinner. I figured I'd come find you first and patch things up, clear the air between us so to speak before doing that.
Stan: Oh, I see. That's very nice of you.
Sentina: However, I'm all up for going to a coffee shop once you and your friends finish your mission here. It'd be fascinating seeing this weird big galaxy of yours, plus you totally need to help me find my way back home if you don't find a portal or something here.
Stan: Ah right. Certainly, we'll help you out. Both as a Jedi and a gentlemen, it would be a pleasure.
Sentina: Real charming, sir knight. Until then… (Holds out hand) Would you be fine just being friends?
Stan: (Stares at hand, then up at Sentina) Sure. Friends would be swell.
(He takes her hand and they shake on it for a few seconds)
Sentina: Actually, a step above. (Leans forward and hugs him) Good friends.
(Stan holds still, then reciprocates the hug, enjoying the comforting feel of Sentina's elvin body. All too soon she breaks away and stands up, patting her clothes of dirt)
Sentina: Okay, I'm long overdue for a calming dip and that lake is looking very enticing. Are you going to be okay?
Stan: Yeah, definitely. It's time I headed back before my folks worry further about me.
(In an instant Sentina morphs and assumes her bulky dragon form, flexing her wings while keeping perched on most of the cliff's surface)
Sentina: Want me to give you a ride?
Stan: No, no thank you. You've done plenty for me, and I wouldn't want to hold you up any longer from the relaxation and thought-clearing.
Sentina: It wouldn't be a bother, but alright, suit yourself. (Makes to leap off) Hey, Stan?
Stan: Yeah?
(Suddenly Sentina's large horned head comes down to rub a cheek against the side of Stan's face. When she pulls back, he's awestruck)
Sentina: A good-luck nuzzle. Another little trick to help you out.
Stan: Gee, that's… Thank you, Sentina. For all this. And for, uh, giving me a chance. For another time.
Sentina: Of course. You give your parents and everyone else my regards. And watch out for yourself, hero.
Stan: Y-Yeah, I will. Same to you.
Sentina: Good night, Stan.
Stan: Good night.
(With a final parting nod, Sentina looks to the night sky and takes off with a great flap of her wings. Stan watches as she soars smaller and smaller in the direction of the moonlit lake)
Stan: Just watching you go, makes me feel light and heavy at the same time. Probably should have said something more. (He rubs his cheek and smiles) Nah, it's fine as is. Just have to wait until next time.
The talk shared that night rejuvenated Stan's tempestuous mind and self-confidence. Motivated by Sentina's gentle words, he returned to the camp where his family and friends were busy sleeping off the evening's banquet. Much like the previous night, he experienced one of the soundest slumbers in his whole life, feeling both content and brimming with eagerness to complete the mission and get everyone to help the wayward Sentina find her way back home. No matter how long it took, he happily added before all conscious thought ceased.
In the morn, the Jedi and allies awoke surprised to find Stan both returned and acting as his usual easy-going self. In brief he explained how Sentina had found him and made conversation with him, and passed along her wishes of well-being to everyone. Sally was giddy at seeing her brother having made up with the dragoness, and Squishy and Sylvia were happy to see that their son had taken the first tentative steps into romance with barely a scratch.
After a hearty breakfast of leftovers, the group immediately set out for the last leg of their journey. This proved long and uneventful, as hours of mundane walking went by as they transitioned from forest to mountain trails. The sun was on the verge of setting, alighting the mountainsides in deep orange, when the Jedi had finally reached the mountaintop. And there, on their sixth day on Draconia, they at long last beheld their final destination. Their primary target.
Thus we've come to the end of the adventure. New friends and foes have come and gone, along with a great deal of dragons. There were many powerful ones, many unforgettable ones, and some that even rivaled the very strength of the Gods. However, only the final battles await our heroes. Will they succeed in their mission? Will everyone find whatever it is they're looking for? At this point, all they can do is move forward with one last charge, and take the last challenges head-on as true champions. Victory, death, and revelation await.
End of
Adventure