Chapter 17- The Host
A lone bandit strode through the tree line. He wandered through the ever-thickening forest until the sun itself struggled to breach it with her rays. The bandit was covered in bandages, many of which seemed to have reopened. He paid no attention to his condition. His eyes wandered back and forth until he found a clue.
Several armored bandits patrolled this part of the forest. One noticed him and seeming to recognize him, returned his sword to its scabbard. The bandit headed into an animal trail that appeared well treaded.
At last, he found what he was seeking. Well hidden by trees was an old wooden fortress. It was most likely once used as a hideout for retreating armies. Unlike what one might expect of such a headquarters, it was built to endure sieges. Its walls were high and guarded by archers. Its gates were locked by wood and iron beams.
The bandit approached the ronin standing at the gate. He said, "Send word to Lord Jaken. I've returned from my mission."
The sound of the gates unlocking resonated deep into the throne room. Foot soldiers pulled on long ropes attached to the doors. The doors slowly opened and revealed the bandit standing there.
On the opposite side of the room was a throne of sorts. Guarding the man who sat upon it were half a dozen armored ronin. Another man stood closest to the central figure. He however didn't seem to bother wearing armor, rather going shirtless. A straw hat was on his head and his lower face was covered in bandages. He had long black hair in the front and depraved eyes painted by black makeup. Two beautiful geisha sat beside their lord. Each had their hair tied up in a traditional fashion and wore contrasting kimonos of sky blue and magenta. One played her lute. Her tranquil demeanor was enough for someone to mistake her for being a sleep. But her fingers played with careful elegance. Beside her, the second geisha was pouring a cup of sake for her master.
The man who this scene revolved around was Lord Jaken. He sat legs spread on top of a large pillow. He had a youthful face that easily caught the fancy of women. He had short wavy white hair that spiked up at the top and one of his eyes was covered by an eye patch. He wore a charcoal purple kimono torn at the sleeves, black wrappings strapped to his wrists, and black boots to match. Around his neck was a dark red scarf adorned with a necklace of talons, most likely from some evil creature.
As he came closer, the bandit noted Jaken sported a ferocious gaze and a rather playful grin despite not paying him much attention.
Jaken said, "It seems the rest of your troop did not make it back. So if he was strong, then why are you alive?"
"He was merciful. But the man was blind, his best years are behind him."
"You seem different somehow." said Jaken. His perpetual happiness seemed to vanish in an instant. "I sense a strange power about you."
"How keen. And I sense a great power from you." said the bandit, "Kukukuku. This is perfect!"
The bandit's head fell and his body went limp. Out of him emerged the fiery spirit. Jaken looked surprised but then began to grin. Jaken's bodyguard leapt in front of him and pulled out his katana. Both geisha screamed as they dropped their tools and fled to their chambers.
The bodyguard now said, "Stay back Lord Jaken!"
Jaken continued to sit down. He said, "Quite an opponent. Oh dear, I don't have anything to combat spirits. But if you think you can play around here, I have allies. You'll be exorcised in no time."
"Spare me the threats whelp." said the demon, "You are merely a container so that I can extract vengeance against her… and walk this world once again."
With that the demon launched forward, passing harmlessly through Jaken's bodyguard, and entered the bandit commander.
My body… I can't move anymore. Damn it. Damn you spirit.
The demon spoke through Jaken saying, "What a powerful will you possess. And a soul that matches hers in so many ways. This battle couldn't be more fitting."
What are you talking about? Release me.
"You possess no supernatural weapon or armor to give advantage. But your body is stronger and faster than anyone else we've encountered. You will do fine against my prey."
This opponent of yours… she's strong. Curse you demon, for robbing me of a worthy foe!
"Now now," said the demon, "I will give you a chance to destroy her. I will lead you to where she waits."
The demon continued, "But if you should fail human, I will finish the battle myself. Don't think for a second I need your body intact to win."
The spirit thought, "Regenerating humans was something I drew out in order to heal her in her time of possession. I feared that some unlucky ambush could end her before we had our rematch. But that insufferable woman never once needed it. Now its use will be solely in ensuring this body's survival should he lose."
Jaken suddenly found himself able to talk once again. He smiled in satisfaction and said, "If you want to beat her so much, then why are you offering me a chance?"
A voice said, "I'm curious to see if this body really is stronger. And I find this all too perfect… a battle of manslayers."
"And should I kill her? And make no mistake, I will kill her."
"Then I will us my power to resurrect her and finish her myself."
Jaken asked, "Just what are these powers of yours?"
"None of your concern. I will not lend them to you." said the demon.
"Fine with me." said Jaken, "I'll destroy her with my own strength. That's always been my way."
Author's Note: I referred to the moon as male and the sun as female in these last pair of chapters. I originally intended to do the more traditional version but went with some Hindu mythology instead.