Garo Dark Hollow
ESKK: A new chapter let's get started.
(Start Hermione Bathroom)
Hermione was sitting in a bathtub relaxing after a long journey to this location. The place they had arrived at was a Horse Ranch where the Makai Order taught its members horseback riding. They also use the guise of offering lessons to keep themselves looking normal to the public eyes. The old gentleman was a retired member of the order a sweet old man whom Hermione was grateful to for giving them a place to stay as they figure out their next move. So far three Horcruxes were still in play and thus this meant that they needed a way to get to them. Nagini was being saved for last since she was always with her master Voldemort now more so since he knows they are hunting down his Horcruxes.
The one in Scotland, most likely Hogwarts, had yet to be moved from its current location as was the one locked away in London somewhere. But it was only a matter of time before Voldemort sent his forces to secure both of them. Thankfully if rumor holds truth McGonagall was in charge of the school which meant Snape and the Death Eater recruits there did not have any sway there. More so the house they were at was safe since the charms prevented Horrors and also jinxes on Voldemort's name from arriving here unless someone actively invited them in. This meant that the group were free to relax and prepare for their next move.
Hermione then let her mind wander over to what they found in Grimmauld Pl several months ago about one Delphini Riddle. She could not deny that the girl was none of their concern but the toll it took on Harry was clear. If Harry had never joined the order and still remained a Wizard, he would probably have gone on this hunt even less prepared when he learned this truth. She knew that the tole it would take on Harry that he was making a girl an orphan like him by killing her parents. He'd probably be haunted by nightmares of the night his parents died possibly with the roles in reverse with Harry being the one to do the deed and Delphini being the one in the crib. It made Hermione wonder what they would do if and when they find the girl if they should do anything about her at all.
Hermione knew that by the end of this war if Voldemort had not killed her, yet chances are that she would be made an orphan. It was inevitable and Hermione knew this but as protectors they had responsibilities to make sure the Horrors did not feast in this world. With a sight Hermione finished her soak and stood up from the tub allowing the water to drip from her body before grabbing a towel from the towel rack.
(Meanwhile in the sitting room)
The coffee table was covered with plans and blueprints as the two Makai Knights were talking strategy. On one side of the table was a map of Hogwarts as well as any hidden paths curtesy of the Marauders map. On the other side of the table were notes on where exactly in London the other Horcrux was located at with the top view theories being the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, and Knockturn Alley. Just then Hermione walked in wearing a bath robe with a towel around her head and slippers on her feet as she approached the duo in question.
"Any progress?" Hermione asked as she sat on the armchair closest to them.
"Not much we deduced that the Horcrux is hidden somewhere in Hogwarts but since Harry's scar had never reacted to it, we suspected it might be hidden somewhere that cannot be reached through conventional means." Simon said as Hermione had a theory on that now that Simon said it aloud.
"It might be in the Room of Requirements." Hermione voiced her theory as she looked to the pair. "It's a room Harry and I used to teach the DA back when we still attended Hogwarts." Hermione said as she looked to the pair. "It can form into almost anything we need within reason." Hermione explained and thus Simon thought it over.
"That seems most likely what better way to hide something of value then inside a room that is always changing and shifting based on the desires of the one in need of it." Simon said as he rubbed his chin a bit.
"Ok knowing where the blasted thing is hidden is all well and good, but the problem is getting to it." Lucas said voicing the negative about this. "The damn thing is in your old school and the only way we can bloody get to it is through halls upon halls of students a whole house of them mostly comprised of those bloody bigots." Lucas said making it clear that it would be a problem for them to get to said room.
"The hidden passages can get us inside and out in a pinch, but we need a way to get to the goal without problem." Hermione said when Simon then noticed something amiss at the moment.
"Not to change the subject but has anyone seen Harry?" Simon asked as he looked around for the wielder of the Golden Armor.
(Meanwhile with Harry)
We find Harry in a hidden room beneath the house training to keep his skills sharp. It was a skill of reflex, strength, and forethought as giant axes on pendulums swung at him. As Harry was training off to the side Simon, Lucas, and the now properly dressed Hermione saw the entire event play out. Hermione sighed a bit as she saw what Harry was doing, no rest for the wicked it seems. Just then an axe came at Harry seemingly out of nowhere, but Harry was able to block the attack with ease before pushing it back. But that was when something concerning happened because instead of flying backwards it stopped before it then swung itself back at Harry harder as it began to produce fangs with a growl being heard.
"Harry!" Hermione cried out and in turn Simon threw daggers at the fang. This got its attention on them as it in response flew their way. Acting fast Lucas stepped up to stop the beast but it then stopped just inches from his short swords. Hermione saw this and began to have a theory form as the axe then turned back to focus on Harry. Harry luckily used the chance to make his move as when the Axe was about to attack again Harry acted fast and jumped up and sliced a piece of the blade off causing it to stop.
Everyone stood there in shock over what just happened as the Axe blades came at Harry with the clear intent to harm him. "What the Blooming Hell just happened?" Lucas asked as he was surprised over what he just bore witness to.
"What happened?" Simon asked as he tried to make sense of this.
"The fang... it wasn't attacking Harry." Hermione said as she began to see what was happening here.
Zaruba also had similar thoughts that he opted to voice. "Harry." Zaruba spoke getting everyone's attention on the Madou Ring. "I think we need to give you a once over." Zaruba said and thus Hermione was on the case for this.
(Later)
Dropping his blood into liquid Harry saw his blood turn black and spread around the bowl showing one fact about it. "I knew it." Hermione said as she knew Harry had been neglecting a trip to the tower.
"Yes, a great deal of Horror Jaki has built up in your body." Zaruba said and thus Silva voiced her words next.
"The Fangs must have responded to that Jaki and acted accordingly suspecting you to be a Horror." Silva said as that was the drawback of the fangs, they can't always tell the difference between human and Horror.
"How many Horrors have you cut down, Harry?" Simon asked as he looked to Harry with concern.
"A grand total of 99 Horrors." Zaruba announced and thus Hermione gasped to this.
"No wonder this has happened." Hermione said just imagining how much Harry had already built up inside him. "Harry, you can't put this off any longer you need to go to the Tower so you can undergo the purification rite." Hermione urged knowing that Harry had to do this.
"I know." Harry agreed a bit guilty for putting this off for so long. "We can also use the chance to get a new fang to replace the one I cut off." Harry said knowing he had to make right the wrong he had caused.
"So, while you two are off to the tower Simon can take this fang to the Senate." Lucas said while gesturing to the broken fang on the table.
"Please do." Hermione said knowing it would be best to get this done now.
(Scene Break Later that day)
At the moment Harry and Hermione were seen walking down a dirt path to where the Tower was currently located. From what Hermione had researched the Tower exists everywhere and nowhere which made it a living paradox. To put it bluntly it appears wherever Garo is located at away from any prying eyes who would happen upon it by random chance. As they continued walking, they soon took notice to a statue that depicted a human woman's face. "I wonder who carved that, it looks lovely." Hermione said as she looked to the statue as Harry agreed with his girlfriend.
"If you know what that, statues truly depicted you would be saying otherwise." Zaruba spoke getting everyone's attention. "That statue depicts the image of a Horror." Zaruba explained and thus the couple found themselves second guessing the statue they saw.
"You were saying?" Harry teased causing Hemione to scoff and smack his arm playfully for that.
"Prat." Hermione said as she smiled to her boyfriend.
"We best make haste; the sooner we arrive at the tower the better off Harry will be for it." Zaruba said and with this in mind they proceeded to hurry on their way.
(Later at the Tower)
The group arrived just short of the warding line of the Tower as Hermione was amazed at the structure. To think that the spirits of all past bearers of the Golden Armor gathered here was truly a sight to behold here. "Well, this is as far as you can go." Zaruba said to Hermione who understood what that was the case.
"What?" Harry asked as he looked to Hermione and Zaruba for information.
"Only those who bear the Golden Armor or those who would inherit it are permitted entry into the tower." Zaruba said making it clear that Hermione could not enter the tower at this moment.
Hermione seeing Harry's concern sighed and went about calming him down. "Don't worry Harry I'll be here when you get back." Hermione said and thus with a nod Harry proceeded to enter the Tower.
As Harry got to the wall it soon opened up to create a doorway so Harry could enter. The Wizard turned Knight entered the tower and once he was inside the pathway sealed itself up behind him.
(Later inside the Tower)
Harry arrived inside the tower and saw the sight of many statues circling the walls of the tower reaching upward. No doubt with each successive bearer of the Golden Armor a new statue was added to the ever-growing collection. A part of Harry thought it was similar to the Tardis from Doctor Who and if not began to wonder if the tower will ever reach space. Still the funny thought of the improbability of a structure reaching that height was pushed back for his current task.
Walking to the center of the room Harry stood upon the symbol that matched up to the crest of Garo. Once he stood there the image at the top of the tower opened up and shined a light down upon him. "WE ARE THOSE WHO HATH RECIEVED THE TITLE OF GARO. ART THOUGH READY TO BE BATHED IN LIGHT?" The Garo's of passed boomed causing Harry to jump a bit in shock over the voices.
Regaining himself Harry knew they were expecting an answer from him. "Yes." Harry responded and in turn a light began to shine down on him with the floor spinning. As this happened Harry saw a dark aura leaving his body showing the process was working.
"RIGHT NOW... THE JAKI IN THY BODY... AS WELL AS THE INGA ARE DISAPPEARING." The Garo's said as they were removing the Jaki within the Wizard turned Golden Knight, Garo.
"Thank you." Harry responded with a small bow and waited for the process to finish for him.
(Later)
Once Harry was done, he entered a nearby storage room had held many old trinkets and chests scattered about neatly organized. Reaching for one of the chests Harry opened it and inside found the replacement fang for the one he sliced in two. "Now we can focus on our training after a strongly worded apology to the old gentleman whose equipment you broke." Zaruba said as Harry understood as much.
"It couldn't be helped." Harry defended as he felt Zaruba, and Lucas would not let him hear the end of it.
(Later that evening)
Hermione was waiting around for Harry to finish up with the ritual by sitting on a rock and using magical light so she can read a book. Eventually the pathway opened back up and in turn Harry walked out. "It's done." Harry said with a nod to Hermione who stood up and nodded back to him.
The pair then went off into the woods to make their way back to the farm so they can see if Lucas and Simon had figured out what to do. But as they travelled through the woods, they were seemingly unaware of something that was tailing after them. Suddenly they stopped as Harry and Hermione looked about feeling something amiss here. "What is it?" Zaruba asked as Harry then voiced his concern.
"Don't you feel something amiss here?" Harry asked and in turn they soon heard movement of an unnatural sort coming from the darkened woods.
It was then a roar was heard as from the woodbine a Horror came out as it attacked the couple. Harry in response blocked the Horrors attack and forced it away from him. Harry was about to draw his sword, but with the fang still in his hand, prevented from doing so for a moment. But then the horror came back and try to hit Harry, but he backed away causing the Horror to only hit the fang out of Harry's hand. The Fang in question went flying into the woods and into an old statue that was long forgotten it seems.
(Meanwhile)
From an unknown Darkness, a sleeping beast laid until it was awoken by something. Looking up it then felt a presence, a presence that he knew well as the creature growled out to this. "Garo." The creature growled with its eyes glowing with a demonic aura in it.
(Back with Harry and Hermione)
Harry kicked away the Horror and drew his sword out at last before he went head-to-head with the monster. Slashing and parrying the horror's attacks Harry intended to make quick work of this demon and send it to Hell where it belonged.
Harry was dominating this fight as he used the Garoken with all the training that was provided to him by the one who taught him. The horror struggle back and began to realize it bit off more than it could chew. It soon turned around and began to run away knowing fighting Harry was a fight it cannot win as Zaruba said, "It's getting away."
"No, it's not!" Harry responded and charged after the Horror.
Hermione in response came in and stood in the way ready to stop the Horror in its tracks. Cutting an energy circle above him the light from the portal shined down before his armor equipped itself on to him while Harry continued the chase. Garo then charged at the Horror using his enhanced speed to dash through the Horror and sliced right through it cutting the beast in half. The Horror then gave a cry of death before exploded in a black mist sealing within Garoken.
"Good job." Hermione said as she saw she wasn't needed in this fight it would seem.
(Scene Break Back at the Farm)
It was morning and as the sound of the axe pendulum could be heard. Seeing this Harry nodded at his handy work now that he had healed up the ally he had injured because he neglected to get his armor cleansed. The Axe now fixed lifted up giving a few test swings as it saw it was good as new. Thankfully, the old man who ran this place was out on business for the Senate and would not be back until later. At the moment Harry and Hermione were gathered in the training room to make sure the fang was properly installed.
"Harry, are you ready to continue your training?" Zaruba asked as Harry got ready to get back to it.
"Yes." Harry said and thus got ready for the axe blades to come at him. Just then an ominous wind began to blow causing him to stop. "Wait something feels different." Harry said as the different he spoke off was not a good one. Soon there was an energy burst which caused Harry in his shock to drop the Garoken. The weapon of the Golden Knight rolled behind a barrier beyond Harry's reach.
"Harry! It's a barrier." Zaruba said as he noticed the barrier, but he also noticed something else was not right. "Plus, time has stopped." Zaruba said as Harry looked around and saw that Hermione was frozen in place.
"A barrier?!" Harry asked in shock while looking to Zaruba. "But who's behind it?!" Harry asked trying to figure out who did this as he looked around.
Just then a chuckling sound was heard which got Harry's attention. Appearing from the darkness the voice's owner made himself known to Harry. "Me, Golden Knight Garo." The being said revealing himself to be a monster of sorts covered in fangs
Harry in turn glared at the new arrival opting to avoid small talk and be ready for a fight. The creature then raised his claw hand to Harry before he began to speak. "Golden knight Garo, can you feel it?" The creature began with a question while glaring at Harry. "Because of you, my brethren cry out. They hate you!" The creature spoke as Harry glared at him.
"What do you want?" Harry asked as he was ready for anything, as Alastor Moody would say, keeping constant vigilance.
"To end your lineage." The creature said as he glared at Harry.
"Is that all?" Harry asked his tone carrying a bit of a taunt in it.
Just then the creature spawned two copies of itself that stood right behind the first. "Fight us!" The creature challenged as Harry was surprised by this.
"I remember now!" Zaruba spoke as he recognized the creature. "Harry, this one is a real nuisance." Zaruba spoke as Harry heard what the Madou Ring had to say. "This is Zaji he is a creature comprised of the lingering rage of every Horror ever cut down by the Golden Knight." Zaruba explained as Harry glared at the now identified dark creature, Zaji.
The battle began as Zaji made the first move against Harry by charging at him after his copies vanished from sight. The two in turn began to trade blows with Harry thankful his predecessor and that perverted priest opted to teach him and Hermione hand-to-hand combat. But even while being at his physical peak Zaji was still much stronger when it came to the strength department. Performing a spin kick against Zaji the Dark Beast caught the attack before easily throwing Harry back.
Harry nearly hit the barrier and in turn went for plan B on taking on Zaji. Drawing his wand Harry began to fire off every curse and hex he knew. Even though Harry had snaped his old one and gotten it replaced Hermione had secured the snapped wand and upon becoming a Makai Priestess had been able to not only revitalized it but enhance the tool to be useful against a Horror, or in Zaji's case a Dark Beast. Thus, it came as a bit of a surprise to Zaji when those spells hit him, they began to force him back. Taking the fight up a bit Harry began to move in to get up close and personal, but Zaji snarled and did the same despite the spell fire on him. Zaji then grabbed Harry by his neck and lifted him up and pinned him to a pillar.
Just as Zaji raised his clawed right arm Harry growled before swinging his body and wrapping his arms and legs around Zaji's arm. Caught off guard Zaji began swinging Harry about to force him to let go of him. Eventually Harry used the momentum and forced Zaji to flip over and thus freeing himself from the Dark Beast's grip. Seeing the few torches in the room Harry had an idea as Zaji got ready to charge at him again. Transfiguring one of them into an axe blade form Zaji roared and went on the attack against Harry.
Zaji went on the attack and thus so did Harry to keep Zaji's focus away from the blade. Zaji managed to knock Harry down and tried to stomp down on him forcing Harry to roll. Following it up Zaji tried to stab his claws into Harry forcing Harry to once more to roll away from that attack. Once that was done Harry spun about and forced Zaji to jump away even through it meant allowing Harry to get back on his feet. Zaji then charged back at Harry only for Harry to elbow him in the stomach before spinning about and drop kicking him towards the axe blaze. Zaji turned around and roared as Harry then went in on Zaji with a right hook that sent Zaji spinning back. Harry then jumped and drop kicked Zaji in the back of the head sending it into the axe Blade. The current wielder of the Golden Armor then topped it off by forcing Zaji's head to go into the blade deeper until he eventually went limp.
Zaji's form then vanished and when it did time began to resume as this was a good thing. When Hermione realized what happened she was left confused looking about. "What happened?" Hermione asked and thus Harry ran over to Hermione while grabbing the Garoken.
"We need to warn everyone a Demon Beast got inside the farm." Harry warned and thus Hermione knew they had to hurry.
(Later in the Sitting Room)
The pair were running through the house with Harry now wearing his duster in case of attack. As the pair of them ran through the house they soon got to the sitting room to find their allies on the table. Of course, the fact the couple had barged in caused the pair to jump a bit as did the old man who owned this farm. "Wow where's the fire?" Lucas asked as the Silver Fanged Knight was worried about what got the happy couple in a panic.
"A Demon Beast has broken into the house." Harry warned them causing the two Knights to look at each other in a panic.
"Ok let's get the defenses up and." Simon began as he got up only for a burst of energy and wind to come by and with-it time came to a halt once more leaving everyone other than Harry and Zaruba as grey statues.
"Again?" Harry asked as he saw that time had come to a stop.
"Time has stopped this means Zaji is ready for round 2." Zaruba said and thus a sound of demonic chuckling was heard from the couch. Looking towards it, Harry saw was currenting Zaji sitting on the couch sprawled about rudely while admiring a stone in his hand. Harry drew his sword on him ready to fight at a moment's notice.
"They are safe... for now." Zaji said as he then tossed the stone and stood back up ready to fight.
"You bastard." Harry growled glaring at the Demon Beast who towered over him thanks to standing on the couch and then the table.
"Worry not you have my word that they will not be harmed." Zaji said while standing next to the old man's frozen form. "So long as you keep winning, Golden Knight." Zaji added making it clear that if Harry keeps winning then Zaji will not harm any of them. "What I want is to ensure that the lineage of the Golden Knight ends with you... thus I will take your life as proof of that." Zaji said making it clear as to what he wants and how it would be achieved while he stepped down to the floor to face Harry eye-to-eye.
"Trust me when I say this, an old man who thought he knew best was fattening me up as a lamb to the slaughter, and a bloody thanatophobia bigot had been trying to kill me for my entire life." Harry said as he glared at Zaji. "You're welcome to try where they failed but my mum sacrificed her life for mine, so I'll be damned if I die now." Harry said as he glared at Zaji promising him failure to end Harry's life.
"If that is the case... I WILL JUST HAVE TO TAKE IT!" Zaji yelled and swiped his arm to the side causing the entire area to shift from a farmhouse sitting room to a grey forest. Harry was caught off guard by allowing Zaji to attack with a sword he had undoubtedly summoned forth. Harry was able to stop the weapon and thus their battle began anew.
The two were now sword fighting as Harry and Zaji's blades clashed creating sparks with each clang of metal on metal. Harry soon managed to force Zaji's blade to the ground but using his right claw hand Zaji went and attacked Harry forcing him to ease back away from the Demon Beast. Parting the two continued their duel but Zaji was proving himself to me a formidable foe using his sword and claws to his advantage.
The two were now sword fighting as Harry and Zaji's blades clashed creating sparks with each clang of metal on metal. Harry soon managed to force Zaji's blade to the ground but using his right claw hand Zaji went and attacked Harry forcing him to ease back away from the Demon Beast. Parting the two continued their duel but Zaji was proving himself to me a formidable foe using his sword and claws to his advantage.
Zaji keep swinging his sword and claw at Harry, as the young knight can only block each strike that came his way, but with no opening for him to attack, as soon enough he was back into a tree with Zaji swipe his claw at him, Harry just duck under it as the claw scrap the bark off the tree.
Soon enough as Harry put his arm up to prevent the claw from coming back towards him with his sword blocking the other one but its clear Harry strength could not match Zaji's own, even in the past two years he has built up his body to fight against horrors, Zaji show to be stronger than any horror, so harry push off against the demon beast and jump over him getting off the tree he was backed into and ran for it.
The demon beast follow harry as he tries to figure out a solution, but Zaji quickly caught up to him and about to cut him in half until Harry step onto a tree root and jump in the air while blocking Zaji sword from touching him before landing back on his feet and took off running again and into another tree to jump off from and counter against Zaji.
Striking him across the chest, it hurt him but it didn't kill him so harry turn around and attack him again thinking Zaji was weaken by his earlier attack, but that proven faults as Zaji swing his sword against Harry, the force along make the young knight to flip over onto his back, but while in air, Harry got another cut in at the demon beast, making him back off for a bit.
Quickly standing up as harry attack Zaji, but he blocks Harry's strike with his sword before they gotten into a dead lock with Zaji push off against Harry with his claw to his sword, pushing him back very far as harry hit a tree branch before coming back down.
Harry recovered with Zaji repairing to attack again as he raised both his sword and claw to strike at Harry, with the young knight ready his sword to fight once again, Zaruba soon warns him saying, "He's fighting with claws and a sword! Your one sword isn't a match when he has a weapon in both of his hands! What's will you do Harry!?" With Harry made him give thought of what to do as he tried to produce a quick solution.
Zaji came at harry quickly, as he slash at him, harry parry him and try to hit him with his claw, but at the last moment Harry quickly pull out his sword's sheath and block Zaji's claw with it before smacking Zaji a bit to give him an opening to slash him with his sword which worked as he backed away from the attack, as Harry smile to this as he said, "I would have to give it to Lucas, two weapon style works well.
Zaji just recovers after that attack as he look towards the young knight as he swing both his sword and sheath in both hands showing he is ready to fight before both of them went at each other, as they clash with their weapons spark out, they seem to counter each other well until Harry came in with a kick making the demon beast stumble back while harry press forward.
Getting up close as Harry swung at Zaji as he blocked Harry's attack only to be left wide open to a slash from Harry before Zaji try to come at him with both claw and sword, Harry blocked them before being swung into the air as Harry cut off a tree branch before coming back down.
When harry landed Zaji came at him again as their weapons lock into each other, while Harry quickly thrusting his weapons down with Zaji's own and reach out fast to the tree branch he cut off and stab it into Zaji's eye as eh cry out in pain making him back away as he pull the branch out, but at that moment as Harry reach for his sword he flips around and give a large slash across Zaji's chest with a lot of blood coming forth from that last attack, causing the demon beast to drop dead and vanishing to dust.
That was two, with one more to go as Harry took a moment to regain his breath as he prepared himself for the last battle as he called out the demon beast, "Zaji, come on out and let's finish this!"
At that moment a laugh was heard with harry quickly turning around seeing Zaji coming out from behind a tree as he said to him, "As you wish." with a flick of his claw, the whole area change again as dark winds blew before it stop, reviling the area was now in space with many stars around as well floating buildings and structures around falling to ruins with the only light coming from a sun in the horizon as Harry didn't know where this was at but keep his guard up as Zaji is shown standing across from him on a broken road they were standing upon as Zaji told Harry, "This will be your grave. Golden knight Garo!"
"No, this is where you will be vanquished at Zaji!" Harry said as Zaji put his arms together as he said to him, "Equip your golden armor! I will eliminate Garo forever!" Soon enough he spread out his arms with large spike came forth from his body. Before his entire body started to grow starting from his arms to the rest of his body as now, he was looking like a complete monster before the spikes from his body turns into great wings.
Taking a single step cause the ground under him to crack from said step, showing his power has increase greatly, as Harry prepared to fight against him, Zaji Leap at Harry to strike him down, but he leaped back away from him avoiding it as Harry said to him, "You're the one who will be eliminated!" Harry raised his sword up and cut open a portal and leap up into it equipping his armor, becoming Garo, and moving like he was in Zero-g, as he came upon some floating debris and leap back towards Zaji as Garo swing his sword Zaji blocks it with his claw and strike Garo back causing him to crash into another floating debris.
Zaji came at him again he slammed his claws down at Garo as he tried his best to block each strike but each one was stronger than the last and ended up sending Garo up in the air before Zaji leaps up and smack him back down very powerfully before giving out a cry to show he wasn't done quite yet.
Garo landed on his feet while skidding back before stopping, and look up just in time to see Zaji coming in with another attack as Garo counter it with his own attack and push away before the two soon trading blows to each other in a fury of attacks before Zaji back away from Garo and quickly smack him back with great force that sent Garo across the void space, through a floating building and over to another floating road similar to where they started fighting at, with Zaji given chase.
As Garo landed on the floating road he tries to recover but Zaji was upon him once again and pin his sword arm against the wall while holding it place so Garo could not swing his sword to defend himself, as the demon beast raise his claw arm to finish the fight once and for all he yells out as he swing down at Garo, while Garo yell out as well bracing himself for the attack until-
(Scene Break Location Unknown)
The area changed once again to a white void with Harry outside of the armor and A sword that looks like the Garoken stopping Zaji's attack before he vanished for a moment, as Harry look to see who had saved him and saw another Garo was standing before had protected him as he said, "Inheritor of the armor, bearer of the Garo title."
"G-Garo?" Harry asked shocked to see the Golden Knight standing before him when he was just wearing the same armor moment prior. Garo chuckled and in turn stepped to the side allowing his cape to flutter revealing someone else in mind. When the cape fell again it revealed Harry's own mother, Lily Potter, standing there instead. "Mum?!" Harry gasped over his mother of all people being here.
"Hello luv." Lily greeted as she smiled warmly to her son. "You've grown so much." She said walking towards her son.
"But... what are you doing here?" Harry asked shocked to see his own mother here since she was dead. "Am I..." Harry began to ask but Lily turned her head.
"No but we have been watching you." Lily said gesturing to herself and Garo. "And we've seen how you've grown and matured." Lily added and thus Garo had his piece to add.
"Thus, you have earned the right to summon forth a great power." Garo said as he walked pass the mother/son pair.
"A great power?" Harry asked and thus Lily smiled to her son.
"He means Gouten." Lily said to which this revelation surprised Harry. Harry was told about Gouten and the requirement to gain his power was to slay a grand total of one hundred Horrors and once that was done to undergo a trial an ordeal to face one's inner darkness.
"That's right, Harry." Zaruba said as he realized why Harry gained this power. "The Horror you sealed at the tower was your 100th." Zaruba announced as he completely forgot about that.
But that did not make sense to Harry since he did not undergo the trial in question and thus opted to voice this. "But I thought I could only use Gouten if I took a test." Harry said and Lily smiled to this as she knew her son did not see the loophole Zaji provided here.
"Yes, the test to face your own shadow." Lily said as she walked past her son and turned away from him. "But there are loopholes, if Garo is the light, and Zaji is the darkness of all the Horrors Garo had slayed... then in a way you faced your inner shadow." Lily said and made a mischievous chuckle over the abuse of this loophole.
"Mum is... is dad?" Harry asked and thus Lily turned to the side knowing the question.
"Yes, he's with us and he is saddened to see his friends split apart." Lily said as she saw the grief her husband experienced seeing Peter as a traitor, Remus chained by his own past and loyalty to Dumbledore, and Sirius abandoned in Azkaban. "But trust me when I saw that her and I are not letting Albus off lightly for his actions and lack thereof." Lily added as she looked back to her son before walking towards him and taking his hands in her. "Luv know that I love you and seeing you make your own choices being who you chose to be I have nary been prouder of you then when you made the choice you wanted that day." Lily said making it clear that she was not angry at Harry for leaving the magical world. In fact, Lily would have dragged Harry away herself after the second year if Hermione would come as well. She liked that girl a girl whom Harry was a good match for.
"I will always be watching you we all will." Lily said as she looked to her sons whose emerald eyes mirrored her own emerald orbs. Garo nodded in agreement as she stood behind Lily basically accepting Harry into his lineage even if he did not have any blood relations to it. "So please Harry, be strong and keep living." Lily asked as she had sacrificed her life so that her only son would live, and she would not let anyone not prophesy or old men who trust in such hogwash to tarnish that sacrifice.
"I will mum, I promise." Harry swore and to make sure he kept that promise he had a battle to win.
(Real world)
Zaji was about to finish Garo before a large burst of light and energy threw him away as Zaji was caught off guard as he looked. Garo was now on a Madou Horse as Gouten was back once again. Zaji roared before charging forward clearly angered as Garo flicked Goutens reigns before charging forward to fight Zaji. As Gouten ran its Makai Symbol appeared as it jumped through the air.
GOUTEN
As Garo and Gouten charged at Zaji before knocking the Demon Beast back before charging again as the Madou Horse then turned around and kicked Zaji away as Zaji felt great pain from that attack. Zaji went flying through the air as he hit many ruined buildings add more to the pain he was in as he then hit the floor of a street of sorts.
Gouten turns around as it Neigh, then slam its hooves down as the energy from it went into Garoken enlarging it to a Zanbatō size.
Garo tap his foot against Gouten as the horse charge, jumping from platform to platform into the build Zaji went through, as Garo follow after the demon beast, cutting aways any pillar that stood in the way, soon jumping out of the build to another, as he Zaji way ahead, he cut the building in half, as Gouten jump through it all coming to a 3rd building cutting in half as well down the middle, as Zaji look back and greeted with Garo pointed the large sword at him as Garo stab at him.
The stab hit but it didn't go all through as Zaji was holding it in his hand before Gouten jump into a platform forcing the Garoken to stab into Zaji, jumping another and the sword was stab through Zaji, and then cut apart by Garo.
Landed on the last platform safely as Gouten neigh and Garo swing Garoken to the side as it returned to normal size and look up to what was left of Zaji as he floated their turn what left of him to Garo as he said, "We will fight you, countless times! Each time will be a reminder... That you are cursed with that title!"
"Maybe I am cursed." Garo said not even denying it knowing his history. "But that won't stop me or those who also carry this title." Harry said as he knew Garo and other such armors had been passed down from father to son. Harry received the armor because he trained under the previous wielder when he died without any heirs. "But this blade and this armor is the tool in which I and those who wield it may hunt Horrors." Garo said as he glared at Zaji with his emerald eyes as memories of his struggles flowed into his mind. People who wanted to use him and take advantage of him, people who only wanted the Boy-Who-Lived and never saw the boy who lost everything that night on Halloween. People who wanted to kill him over a Prophesy that he was unfortunate enough to be the subject of. "With this in mind I have a message for you and every Horror who comes after me!" Garo went on as he glared at Zaji while pointing the Garoken at him.
"W-what?!" Zaji asked shocked that even after everything Garo did not break.
"When the human heart embraces evil Horrors will feast." Garo began as he glared began to lower his sword. "Such vile poisonous creatures have been hunted since time immortal relentlessly pursued by men of the armor." Garo spoke and thus had his piece to finish. "So henceforth from this moment onward the Potters shall join those hunters from this moment onward the Potters will hunt the Horrors wherever they may appear as the inheritors of the Golden Knight, GARO!" Harry announced and thus Zaji's undoing came once more. Zaji's body gave out as he roared out a scream of defeat as his body was turned to dust returning him from whence, he came until the next such time he was awoken to face Garo.
In turn Harry disengaged the armor and began to catch his breath knowing that this ordeal had come to an end. Looking upon the Garoken Harry could not help but smile over this. A new power and with it a resolve to keep going to live and use his life as he sees it. This was Harry's choice he chose to become Garo and use his life for the betterment of others. That was his reason to live to use his life to save many other lives as well.
(Real World)
Back in the ranch time began to resume as Simone continued to speak. "Locate this beast before..." Simon began but then stopped as Lucas gasped noticing Harry was missing.
"Harry!?" Hermione asked and then head stumbling before looking to find that Harry was on the ground.
"Oh crap!" Lucas gasped as he ran over to Harry.
"Seems like he had been put through it." Silva noted as Goruba agreed.
"Yes, something is different about him." Goruba voiced as Hermione and Lucas helped Harry to his feet.
"Harry what happened?" Hermione asked concern clear in her voice for her boyfriend.
"It's, ok problem solved." Harry said as he was smiling of all things despite being out of breath.
"Quite frankly it looks like someone gave you something good with that grin." Lucas said as he saw how big Harry's smile was.
"I got something I would have traded everything for." Harry said as he smiled with tears of happiness coming down his face. "I was given words... from my mum how she was proud of me how much she loved me." Harry said as he had no memories of his mother so to have those brief moments with her was nothing short of a gift worth more than anything an orphan could ever own.
Harry then stumbled for a bit before plopping down on a couch taking the chance to rest. "Harry." Hermione said as she looked to Harry. Hermione in turn just let Harry have this brief moment to himself. After all he deserved it over everything he had been forced to endure in his life. A memory that was his and his alone a memory that only an orphan would come to cherish.
"Hermione I'm going to get stronger." Harry said as Hermione heard this. "I'm going to become strong enough to protect everyone... will you be by my side through it all?" Harry asked and in response Hermione put her hand on Harry's rubbing her thumb over it.
"Of course." Hermione confirmed and thus the two just stayed their blissfully happy. Right now, they were in the present and what comes after was unimportant at the moment. Thus, Harry swore that he would make sure to fight for Hermione and for all those he cares for as one who protects. Unknown to any of them their true foes were moving about.
(Scene Break Unknown Location)
A house was seen burning now at first it was assumed that Death Eaters were responsible for it but that was not the case. The reason for this was simple, the Death Eaters were on the ground, dead, barely living, or in the case of one trying to crawl away. But before the Death Eater could escape it was grabbed from the ground by the form of a massive Horror.
The Horror towered over the scene of a Death Eater attack turned feeding time as it then proceeded to consume the still screaming Death Eater. Once that was done the Horror roared to the night and was ready to depart to it's next feeding sight. At least it planned to do so when all of a sudden, the Horror was cleaved in two from behind. The two halves began to fall and turn to dust as a dark form landed on the ground.
Spreading its arms out with a sword in his right hand a Dark Knight began to absorb the Horror into himself. Its fanged form was much like that of a Makai Knight, but it looked as if to be some sort of dark parody of Garo. The soulless white eyes of the armor looked upon the Horror that the Knight was consuming into his form without batting an eye.
When the deed was done the Knight turned around allowing his tattered cape to billow before walking off. As he walked off his armor disengaged revealing a cloaked figured underneath the black armor. Walking off into the darkness his mouth could be seen and with it the crimson eyes his hood hid away. He smirked sinisterly knowing full well that everything has been going according to his grand scheme. Garo now had the means to hunt the remaining Horcruxes and soon it would be he who claimed the spoils not Garo, not Riddle, and most certainly not Voldemort.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, another Chapter off the docket. Yes, I know this was probably on the short side but I'm getting to the good stuff soon. Anyway, be sure to leave a review for me before leaving have a happy holiday and as always folks, ja-ne.