Chapter 8: Hell's Blade

(Prepare yourselves! This chapter is extremely sad)

Deep in the forest Valkin's training has begun. He quietly takes his best fighting stance as he prepares for his attack. He jumps high into the air and strikes a tree with a swift and powerful kick. The mighty tree topples immediately. Valkin lands perfectly as the tree smashes into the ground below. The warrior lifts his arms above his head and lowers them in front of his chest as he takes a deep breath.

Mira sits on a tree branch kicking her little feet absently as she watches her uncle train. "Valkin! I'm bored! Can we please go home now!" she wined. " Mira, my training is very important!" he yelled back, getting more than annoyed. "Why? We aren't at war anymore." Asked Mira innocently. Valkin grew silent for a moment. There was no way he could tell her the truth. She'd blow it way out of proportions. " It… It just is … Ok!"

He stuttered nervously. " If you want something to do then you can help me train." Mira's excitement grew. Valkin had never asked her to train with him before! She quickly jumped down from the tree branch and ran over to where Valkin stood. Valkin smirked, "Ok, take your stance shorty." Mira did as she was told and got into a pathetic excuse of a battle stance. "No, no, no, Mira! You can't stand like that! You have to spread your legs wider and crouch lower to the ground. The purpose of the stance is to be immovable, like a mountain." Mira nodded. She crouched lower to the ground and spread her legs wider. When she had taken her stance she looked up at Valkin, who towered over her. Valkin walked around her, studying her stance. He chuckled and pushed her over with a simple shove. "That's no good. You must stay firm! When the enemy attacks, you must stand your ground." Valkin said with a huge smirk on his face. Valkin and Mira practised stances and battle stratagies well into the night.

Back in the village:

Lokumi sat at the table as her father ranted on and on in a drunken stupor about his many victories. She braced her cheek with her arm on the table and sighed with boredom. Seteris, the leader of an allied clan had come to visit. He sat nobly at the other end of the table sipping tea. My father must look like a pompous windbag to him, Lokumi thought. Seteris appeared very young, compared to her father. Handsome too! He had long black, silky hair, that nearly touched the floor, which he wore slicked back, and golden, almost cat like eyes. Never before had she seen such a man!

Seteris turned toward her, still holding the tea cup in his hands, "Lokumi, I hear you are almost of age. You'll be getting married soon I suspect?" " Uh…Yes sir, I suppose so. Many suitors have already come to ask for my hand, but Papa turned them all down." Replied Lokumi in the sweetest voice she could muster. "THAT'S RIGHT! Lokumis gonna marry a great warrior! Ain't that right baby girl!" Lokumi's father slurred. He then began to chug down more saki. "Do you have someone in mind, Lotomarue?" asked Seteris. Lokumi turned toward her father, eager to learn who her father had chosen for to be her mate. " Valkin." Lokumi's heart skipped a beat. "He was the only soldier to return from the war. All of the others were killed. He has proven himself to be a magnificent warrior. He'll make the perfect mate for my little Lokumi!" Lokumi was so excited she jumped up from the table, "Oh thank you father! He is the man I've always dreamed of marrying!" she yelled happily.

Seteris' eyes narrowed as he took a sip of his tea. He then rose from the table and bowed, "Excuse me Lord Lotomaru , but I must be going. I just remembered some urgent business I must tend to." As he paced towards the door of the hut, Lokumi grabbed his arm, "Please Lord Seteris, must you go now? I was just about to tell you the story of the time my father fell into the well!" Seteris looked down on the beautiful saiyaness and smiled, " I'm sorry my lady, but I really must be going." She released his arm and he left the hut. Lokumi and her father stood at the door and watched him disappear into the shadows. "That is a very strange man, father. I don't think I've ever met another man who looks or acts like him." "Yep! That Seteris is a strange one all right. Some think he's not a man at all." "If he's not a man then what is he?" asked Lokumi, confused. "Some of the villagers believe that he was mothered by a demon." He said as he took another gulp of saki. "But not just any demon! It was rage herself!" "Rage! You mean one of the fates!" said Lokumi in utter shock. "The very one. … He has never been wounded in battle. I suppose if he is indeed the son of Rage that would indeed explain a lot of things."

Deep in the forest:

Seteris stalked through the trees, his golden eyes reflecting the light of the nearly full moon above him. Soon he came to a twisted old tree near the center of the forest. Seteris began to chant, "Rage, corrupter of fate I, Lord Seteris call upon you!" There was a loud unearthly moan, which shook the ground. A swirling vortex of darkness appeared before him. Out of it stepped the vilest of spirits, Rage. She stood before him, draped in a heavy black shroud that covered most of her face. The only think you could see of her facial features was a hideous grin, which was filled with sharp teeth, like that of a wild beast. "Seteris my son, why have you summoned me?" she hissed evilly. "Mother, I come to you seeking a favor," answered Seteris, showing no emotions. " What ever it is. Mother will take care of it my dear. Just tell me what you need." "Lord Lotomaru has a very beautiful daughter, who is just coming of age. It is her I want." Rage looked up at her son, her red eyes gleaming from under her hood. "Do you really need my help to get a woman?" "No mother of course not. You know I usually have no problem filling my bed. Unfortunately this time, someone is in the way. You see she has her heart set on marrying a man by the name of Valkin." Rage's eyes grew wide. "Valkin you say?" Seteris nodded. "You don't need to worry about him love. You see the man of which you speak is none other than Ooza's mortal lover!" "What?!" Seteris was shocked. "The gods have ruled that all of the saiyans be destroyed for his transgressions. "But mother I am half saiyan , doesn't that mean that they'll kill me as well. "Of course not my child. You are immortal as I am. After they are destroyed you and this bride of yours will come to live in the netherworld. I can even arrange for a castle to be built for the two of you." Seteris nodded his heart and mind now at ease. "Thank you mother."

Heaven:

Ooza made her way portal to the gates of the underworld. She was on her way to find out when the attack on the saiyans would take place and to have a weapon for Valkin made. As she passe through the gates the full horror of hell surrounded her. The sounds of tortured souls filled the air. It was unbearable. As the goddess of life she felt herself growing weaker in this realm of death. Soon she passed by the Hot Springs. There soaking in one of the pools was Kronos. As she drew closer to him, he caught her lovely scent. He turned to see the heavenly goddess. "Why my dear! What brings you to realm of the dead? Have you come to join me in the springs?" Ooza frowned. "No, I have come to ask you a very important question." "Join me in the pool and I'll answer any questions you have for me." He bellowed. Ooza bit her bottom lip. She reluctantly removed her robes revealing her perfect body. She reminded herself that she had to do everything within her power to protect Valkin. Kronos gazed at her longingly. She stepped into the pool elegantly and sat next to the massive god. Kronos began to stroke his hand up and down her back. Ooza stayed still, her eyes fixed forward. "I must know when you plan to kill the saiyans." Kronos moved closer to her. He was nearly on top of her now. "I know what you're up to, onna. You want to warn your lover don't you." He whispered. Ooza's eyes grew with terror. "I tell you what. If give yourself to me. I'll tell you." "I can't do that. I am Valkin's mate now." Kronos frowned, "Mating bonds mean little to those filth. I have been keeping a close eye on your so-called mate. It seems he is to wed the daughter of his clan's leader." Ooza moved away from him, "You're lying. Valkin would never do that to me." Her eyes began to fill with tears. "Its Ok. I plan to kill them all before the honeymoon." He laughed maniacally. Ooza leaped out of the hot spring and throwing on her robe, she ran from that place. It can't be true. Valkin loves me, and only me. He wouldn't marry someone else. Whould he?

She then came to Monias, the blacksmith to the gods. "Monias" Ooza called. Monias looked up from his work. "Oh hello Ooza! Its not every day we get a glimpse of you around these parts." He smiled. "How can I help you." "I need a weapon." she said. He smiled and turned away from her. "I know why you've come. You need this weapon for that Valkin boy right?" Ooza looked at him surprised, "how did you know?" "Ha ha ha, your predictable." He chuckled. "It just so happens, I have a sword that might be just what you're looking for." He turned around holding a beautifully crafted blade in his hands. "I made this some time ago. I've been waiting for just the right god to come along. I call it the Hell's Blade. It has the power to hurl any foe killed by the king's blade into the bowels of hell. There will not be any judgement day for him. I think its perfect for your boy's battle with Kronos. I've always wanted to see that pain in the ass burn!" "Ooza nodded and took the blade from Monias' hands. She removed it from its sheath and admired its craftsmanship. It was truly beautiful. She noticed at the end of the handle was the shape of a crescent moon. She looked back at Monias, who smiled at her. "It is as if this blade was made for this mission." "Thank you Monias. Thank you so much." She hugged him and went to prepare for her journey to the mortal world.

Valkin's hut:

Valkin's mother ran around the house preparing for the marriage ceremony. Valkin was outside training. He was hitting a post with furious punches. Why do I have to marry that girl! I don't want to. I don't love her. Mother says that if I don't marry Lokumi I will bring dishonor to the family since she already has an agreement with Lord Lotomaru. I can't let that happen. I have already taken a bride in Ooza. She is the one I love, but I can't possibly tell them that. He sighed, "This is so confusing. He gave the post a few more blows and went inside to eat something.

As he came inside, he saw his mother bustling around preparing food for the guests. He went to the boiling pot of stew and fixed himself a bowl. He sat down at the table and started to chow down. Reko lay on the floor next to the table, chewing on a bone. "Hungry aren't you boy?" he asked the dog. Reko continued chewing on his bone. Valkin's mother finally realized that he had come inside, "Well its about time you came inside! You must get ready for the ceremony." Valkin frowned but didn't look up from his lunch. "I'll get ready right after I'm done with my stew." He wined. His mother turned around and looked out the window as the sun began to set in the west. "Tonight is a full moon." She said her eyes beginning to fill with happy tears. "There was a full moon the night I married your father too. It was the happiest night of my life. Your father wasn't too thrilled with me either. But sure loved him. He was so handsome!" Valkin looked up at his mother sadly, "You miss him a lot don't you?" There was a moment of silence. "Yes, especially watching you grow up. You look so much like him. I miss him and your brother so! I wish they could've lived to see this day. The day our son becomes leader of the clan." Valkin couldn't bear to look at her anymore. She was so proud of him. The look in her eyes made him sick to his stomach. He got up, washed his dishes and went to the spring to take a bath.

Deep in the desert, where the moon reflects on the sand:

Just as before, Ooza transformed into a mortal, however this time she came prepared. She was draped in a simple robe from the realm of mortals. In her arms she carried the Hell's blade. She quickly made her way through the village streets on her way to Valkin's home. As she came to the hut she saw that many people had gathered there. She walked up to a young woman to ask what was going on, "Excuse me miss, but what is happening here?" The woman looked at her with a surprised look on her face, "The handsome warrior, Valkin is taking a bride tonight." Ooza's eyes widened. She sprinted quickly into the hut. As she came inside, she saw a beautiful saiyaness draped in a red silk dress, with flowers in her hair, standing beside Lord Lotomaru. Ooza knew at once that she must be the bride to be. Tears began to blur her vision. Then she heard a familiar voice, "Ooza, how are you?" she turned around to see the forever proud, Lord Seteris standing in a corner of the hut. She walked closer to him so that others would not be able to hear. "How do you know who I am?" Seteris stared at her arrogantly for a moment, "Do you think I'm stupid or something?"

Just then drums began to play as Valkin came from his room, wearing his father's armor and red cape. Ooza stared at him. He's actually going to go through with it, she thought to herself. The tears were getting too much to bear. Valkin looked around at the guests until one caught his eye. "Ooza!" he shouted. Ooza turned towards the door and ran from the hut. The tears flowed freely now.

Valkin ran after her calling her by name. The wedding guests stood in bewilderment. Ooza ran to the well at the center of the village and collapsed. She held her face in her hands and sobbed. Her heart was shattering into a thousand pieces. Valkin followed her and when he came to her side he collapsed as well. He fell to his knees. Tears began to fall from the warrior's eyes. "I am so sorry Ooza! I… I didn't want to do it but felt I had to." Ooza didn't even look at him, "You took me as your mate! You already have a wife!" she yelled over her shoulder. By now a crowd had gathered around the pair. Valkin looked around him, noticing the people talking in the crowd. He leaned toward her and put his hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry Ooza." He whispered. She jumped up, throwing him to the ground, "How could you Valkin!" Valkin stared at her, afraid to say anything. He just couldn't find the words. Behind Ooza the sun was beginging to rise. As the sun rose, light enveloped her. Ooza resumed her heavenly form. She didn't seem to notice. "I thought you loved me!" she yelled. The villagers stood there their mouths gaped open at the sight of her. Valkin started to get pissed off, "WELL I CAN'T VERY WELL TELL THE OTHERS I'M MARRIED TO A GODDESS!" Ooza calmed herself and looked around her. Everyone immediately dropped to the ground on their knees. Valkin came and took her in his arms. He held her and the tears he'd been fighting to hold back flowed freely down his face. The air was silent. No one spoke a word. The only sounds that could be heard was Ooza and Valkin's weeping. Then lord Lotomaru stepped forward, "Um did I hear correctly Valkin? Did you take Ooza as your mate?" Valkin released Ooza and looked deeply into her eyes, "Does it matter?" he asked with a smile on his face, the tears in his eyes shining in the moonlight. Ooza smiled back at him. He got up and lifted Ooza to her feet. Then he turned toward Lotomaru, "I'm sorry but I can't marry Lokumi. Ha ha ha ha," he chuckled, "I'm kind of already taken. Ha ha ha. "WHAT!!!" Lokumi shrieked, nearly destroying everyone's eardrums. Suddenly, Seteris hit her in the back of the head, knocking her unconscious, and then carried her off somewhere. Everyone was too distracted my Ooza to notice. -

For the rest of the day Valkin and Ooza had to explain to the villagers what had happened. As they told their story everyone crowded around them to listen, Both young and old. They were absolutely captivated by their tale. They did however leave out most of the mushy parts. Ooza told most of the story. Valkin just sat there and blushed. Especially when the children asked him how many babies they were going to have. . When Ooza told them about Kronos. Valkin saw them cringe. The terror in their eyes was excruciating!

When the story was told, everyone grew silent. Lord Lotomaru brought Valkin the golden band, which he wore around his head that identified him as the leader of the clan. "Valkin, I want you to have this. You are the new leader of the Suginami Clan. We are all at your service. We will gladly lay down our lives to aid you in this battle." Valkin stared at him, never had Valkin heard the old saiyan speak with such bravery. "Thank you Lord Lotomaru It is an honor to have this title, but as a leader, I can not allow you to help me." "Why the hell not?" asked the old saiyan. Valkin's eyes narrowed, "This is my battle to fight. He is coming to kill us all, because I angered the gods. If anyone is going to die today it will either be me, Kronos, or us both. Please do not get involved." Valkin spoke with wisdom far beyond his years.

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Wow! That was Long!

Hope you enjoyed that chapter. I made it good and long for ya.

NEXT TIME ON MY GODDESS: The Final Battle/

The great Battle is at hand! Valkin, armed with the hell's blade, must battle the god of Kayos. Its definitely not something you want to miss!