Nimbat: a Feudal Fairy Tail chapter 2. The Pilgrimage

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, Netflix Castlevania, or any other franchises mentioned. They belong to their respective owners.

I was in a foggy forest. Though perhaps a Jungle would be more fitting? There were trees the size of skyscrapers, their canopies vanishing into the grey clouds above while below a wonderland of strange plants and fungi that I had never seen before rose from a sea of mist as if islands in the ocean.

Though I did not know where I was I knew why I was there.

My Sacred Treasure.

What this treasure even was alluded me but this ache in my heart could not be denied.

I need to find it.

I need to guard it.

And I need it to go home.

But where is it?!

I flutter through the fog, my orange webbed wings cutting through this oppressive blanket of water vapor.

I can't see it but I know it is near, Like a compass in my mind, it points towards its general location. After quite some time I see a faint yellow glow.

That must be it! I push forward, my tail twitching in excitement as I see a cross-like shape.

It's a sword! A flaming sword made of Golden fire was in the air with its tip facing the ground.

Almost there! my white paws reach out toward the light.

Just need a few more feet then I'll-

And then I woke up. I blink slowly, my sleep-addled brain trying to figure out where I was, and what was going on. I yawn, rising out of the cot, and after getting on my feet, and do a few stretches to try and wake up.

"That strange dream again. What does it mean?" I've been having that dream for an entire week now.

I walk towards the work table, smiling as I congratulate myself

"It was a lot more work than I expected but I can finally start working on the armor!"

The table was covered in the scales, bones, and skull of the snake demon, all carefully prepared and organized to allow for swift construction.

Which was crucial due to how hard this has been so far. I never truly realized just how much I depended on my father in forging until I was doing it alone. Every step was harder as I could only depend on myself and if I messed up it was on me to make up for it and get the job done regardless.

Heh, I get now why this is considered a trial as it was exhausting to do this all on my own. To think Dad did this all the time until I was old enough to start my training.

My smile faded however as I glared at the largest source of ire these last few days.

The snake's fangs.

I had planned on making serrated paired shortswords out of them as once they were treated in the venom they would naturally be poisonous and having the wounds be torn open when the swords are removed would be quite advantageous. A perfect backup weapon for Kohaku.

Emphasis on the PLANNED part.

I pick up one of the fangs, not even treated yet and I reach for the jar of lacquer I made from taking the snake's venom and mixing it with the snake's dehydrated and powdered blood but my hand stops, The intense feeling of discontent that I've been struggling with surged through my veins and in disgust I threw the fang onto the table.

"Why!? Why do I not want to make the shortswords?!"

I was okay with it earlier so why is it now the very idea of making them causing me to feel as if it would be both a waste of time and resources to make them?

It was very much for this reason that the armor was already at the point where I could begin the building process after only a week. I should be able to be done with it in 4 days.

But that wouldn't solve the problem of figuring out what to use the fangs for and the longer I put it off the more I risk not being able to finish in time.

I need to at least decide what the do so that while I am working on the armor I can begin the treating processes that take a lot of time to cure to make use of my time most efficiently.

"Might as well eat first and ponder over breakfast"

I sat on the steps of the forge, eating my rice gruel, and watched the sun fully rise.

I chewed slowly as the fiery glow of the sun reminded me of the dream I had and….for a moment the sun turned to that same brilliant Gold before I blinked and it was back to its normal orange hue.

"Yah know? Maybe I should try making the sword in my dream. It's better than nothing"

I took another bite as I played around with the idea.

I had no idea what the sword actually looked like as the details escaped me but the more I thought about it, the more excited I got.

"The fangs aren't long enough to be a full-sized sword so I would have to grind them into powder, melt some iron, then mix the bone powder into the molten Iron and that would give me primitive steel as the Vikings made it by accident via the same method. As for the quenching process? I think if I make a slurry out of the remaining organs and meat I can-"

I had stopped eating entirely at this point and I returned to the work table, I then carefully gathered all of the parts of the armor and placed them in a couple of wicker baskets I had to make sure I had the whole table clear.

With the table clear I began collecting the other parts and ingredients from both the snake demon as well as some of the other bones and materials from storage.

The snake demon's fangs wouldn't be enough for this. I would need some other materials to make sure this worked.

A small part of myself worried that my using so many other materials other than the snake would be breaking the rules but my excitement and eagerness made it all fall away as I would make this sword the best sword I will have ever made!

I spent the rest of the day getting things prepped, Then the next day I began the making of the metal. Then the day after that…..I don't fully recall. Time began to blur as I poured my heart and soul into the weapon. I only ate and drank enough to keep me from getting sloppy and the same went for sleep as I spent many nights slamming my hammer onto the molten metal. And when I did sleep I would have the dream again, the sword in my dream starting to look like what I was making in the waking world.

It was only when the sword was placed within a sheath of dark brown wood did I finally regained awareness of time.

"Ow! I hurt all over. How long was I working on this sword?" I licked chapped lips as I looked down to see the fruit of my labors.

It was a Bastard sword with a double-edged blade that was about 3 and a half feet long and while the blade was hidden by the sheath the one-and-a-half-handed hilt, which was made from the horn of an ox demon wrapped in the scales of the Snake demon was on full display. The cross guard was T-shaped and was formed from steel and the pommel was a ball of the same material. I wished I could have added some gems or something to make it look prettier but I lacked those so I had to make do with a simple cross engraved on the front and back of the Cross Guard.

I don't know why but a cross just seemed right and it did make the sword look better.

It was designed to be able to be held with either 1 or two hands and the guard would prevent an enemy's blade from sliding down the sword and protecting their hands.

"Now, let's look at this blade." I grab the handle and pull the sword out.

"HMmmgh!" Ahem, I said I pulled the sword out!

"HMMMMGH! Gah! Why can't I draw the sword!?"

Did I do something wrong? Why is it I can't draw the sword no matter how hard I pull!?

I spent 30 minutes trying to remove the sword and no matter how hard I pulled it wouldn't budge! I almost used my hammer to break the sheath but I didn't as it could risk damaging the sword!

So with disgust, I threw the sword across the forge where it landed on my cot with a clatter.

"Great! Just great! I spent who knows how long making this stupid sword and now it's stuck! I still have to make the armor and I don't even know how many days I have left!"

I looked outside, darn it was noon so unless I asked someone or the moon rose I wouldn't be able to figure out how much time I had left….

"Screw it, I'm tired hungry, thirsty, and smelly. I'm going to the river to bathe, eat some food, drink some water and sleep till nightfall. I'll know how much time I have when I see the moon."

I glanced one last time at the blade, part of me wanting to bring it with me but I scoffed and left it behind. It would be there when I got back anyway.

3rd person view.

About 10 minutes after Ren left the forge in a huff a familiar kitten wandered inside.

Kilala looked around, taking in the very messy shop, with tools and ingredients scattered everywhere which was a sharp contrast to the orderly shop she visited a couple of weeks prior. She dismissed the mess and continued deeper into the structure, and very soon she found what had drawn her here.

It was a sword laying on a cot and she wasted no time getting up close. She took a few sniffs before her tails fell dejected.

It wasn't her, When she detected this sword she confused it with her Master, for it bore a similar purifying aura to her precious friend but alas, it was not.

She turned and began to leave, hopes dashed when a gentle golden glow illuminated her from behind.

She turned quickly, her red eyes narrowing and hackles raised as the sword produced energy that was the true opposite of Youki, Holy Aura.

It was a step above the spiritual powers used by Miko and priests as only divine beings could produce it. It was also a deadly poison to any demonic creature and she had no interest in being destroyed. But after a few moments of seeming silence Kilala relaxed and approached it once more.

The light, instead of harming her seemed to dance across her fur, not even a single hair singed as she touched her paw to the carving of the cross and her ruby eyes shimmered gold for a few seconds before it and the glow faded entirely.

Kilala was then engulfed in flames as she went from a kitten to a ferocious saber-toothed tiger with burning paws and tails.

The now much larger feline then grabbed the sword and left the forge, confusing a few villagers as to why she had a foreign sword in her mouth but she merely flew over the village walls and towards a certain cavern outside the village.

Ren's POV an hour later.

Ah, that was a nice bath and meal! I was smiling as I headed back to the forge. I had bathed in the river and after that, I picked some wild berries and even found a bird nest full of eggs which I promptly cooked and ate. I drank plenty of water while bathing and I was full and clean.

"Now, it's time to get some much-needed sleep!" I cheered as my cot was calling my name and I would not deny her restful advances.

"Ren? Is that you?" A familiar voice called out to me and my smile widened as I saw Kohaku approaching the front gate as well.

Wow, what perfect timing. I can just ask him how much time I have left and maybe get him to agree to come over later to let me fit him with his armor.

"Kohaku! Yeah, it's me! How are you doing?"

Kohaku ran up to me and we gave each other a high five, I had introduced it to him and it was our personal greeting.

We had lots of little gestures that only he and I know as how else could I flip him off if he didn't know what that meant?

"I'm doing pretty okay, Father was having me run a few laps around the village to build up my stamina. What about you? I thought you were doing your Trial of Mastery. Why are you outside the village?"

I shrugged as we walked towards the forge together.

"I needed a recharge. I've been working so hard that I lost track of time and didn't take care of myself. Speaking of which, how many days do I have left?"

Even if it's only 4 days I should be able to finish it in time.

Kohaku's face went pale as he shouted.

"Ren! Tomorrow is the last day! You only have today and Tomorrow before the trial is over!"

It was my turn to pale as all sleepiness fled from my mind being chased by the hellhound of raw panic flooding my veins!

"What!? That can't be! I had 2 weeks left!"

He must be lying. He must!

But no Kohaku's face of panic mirrored my own as he bore the news.

"No, you don't! You do have it almost done right?" I winced at the reminder of the stupid sword that I couldn't even draw and Kohaku saw my wince.

"It's not done!? Ren! If you fail the trial you won't be allowed to take it again for 2 years!"

"I know! But something went wrong and I had to scrap a lot of stuff. And it will take 4 days to finish unless…"

We were now standing outside the forge.

"Unless?" I glanced at Kohaku, and then I smiled.

"Unless you help me"

Kohaku looked aghast at my suggestion.

"Me? Help you craft!? Even if I could help You alone must make everything! You can't cheat like that!"

I grabbed his arm and dragged him inside, my smile frozen but firm.

"I don't need you to do anything other than stand still."

Kohaku looked around the messy forge as I cleared off the work table by sweeping everything on it into an empty basket

"Wait, how would I standing still help you?"

I then took out all the parts for the armor and turned to him with my smile more sincere and handed him the drawn design for the armor.

"Because your birthday gift is my project!"

Kohaku's confusion began to fade as he looked to the plans then the parts, then to me and happiness burst through him like the sun parting the clouds on a rainy day.

"Really!? You're making me new armor!?"

I laughed as I took the plans from him and gestured for him to stand next to me.

"Yep! I bribed Kilala to steal my mom's measurements for your birthday kimono and I planned to use them to make your armor but since I have so little time I'll have to sow it onto you! That's the only way that you get your birthday present and I pass the trial! So, will you help me?" I held out my hand towards him and after a moment of hesitation, his face firmed and he shook my hand fiercely.

"Yeah!" Let's do it!"

Hah! I'm not out of the race yet! Sleep? I can sleep when I'm dead!

And as I was busy poking Kohaku with sowing needles I had the feeling I was forgetting something but eh, it doesn't feel urgent so it can wait.

Let the 48-hour craftathon begin!

2 days laters..

"Can you please stop moving Kohaku!? I need to make sure this is sown right!"

"Ow! But you keep poking me with the needle! Of course, I'm going to move!"

"Oh shut up! We are nearly done."

Kohaku glared at me but kept still.

Geez, He's done this at least a dozen times before he should be used to it now.

But as I missed with the needle again I had to face the facts.

I was tired. I had not eaten, drank, or slept for 2 days to finish the armor and it is only thanks to Kohaku that I could do this.

Normally, He would have been in trouble for visiting or helping but thanks to his well-known lack of any skill in crafting his father just asked if he was helping me by being my hands and he told the truth.

"I am not. I have done nothing but talk and stand around."

With The Chief's blessing, he was allowed and he stayed with me the whole time.

He had no idea how to make anything but that was fine. Having someone to hang out with made this process SO much more bearable.

And with the third double-check complete I put down my sewing needle.

"And There! Phew! It's finished! My magnum Opus! The Scale Mail."

Kohaku sighed in relief as I put away the tools and began circling around him, checking for any possible flaws the last 3 checks had missed.

The Scale Mail resembled the garb our slayers wore but instead of the typical black leather, it was green serpent scales. There were bone bracers for the ankles and wrists, bone shoulder pads, knee pads, and a pseudo rib cage covering the chest, back, and groin.

There were snakeskin boots, and armored gloves made from the snake's lungs lined with its scales, and resting on Kohaku's clavicle was the lower jaw of the snake while the upper part acted like a headband/helmet. It will protect his skull from being damaged by attacks. And I did it all by myself!

"Well? How does it feel? Is it hard to move? Any pinching?"

Kohaku did some stretches, partly to test and partly because he was stiff from standing still for so long.

Kohaku had a big smile as he stopped stretching, and adjusted his helmet as he said.

"Nope, it feels great! I can't believe I have my own personalized armor!"

I laughed at his exuberance and secretly gave a sigh of relief that he liked it.

I really wanted this to be perfect! This was my first real project and if the person who I made the armor for didn't like it my Dad surely wouldn't as well. Which is why I did so many checks.

I even went the extra mile and made it so that there was extra material in storage so that as he grew the suit could be updated to keep fitting him.

I then went back to the workbench and beheld the other two fruits of my labors.

There were times when I had no choice but to wait and during those times I worked on these two babies.

First, is the Stomach bag. I was going to use it for water but then I had the idea of filling it with the dried crushed remains of its blood, bile, and the toxic lacquer that was meant for the serpent's shortswords to create a poison powder that can be thrown into the eyes of enemies to blind them.

It's also why the suit had gloves that covered everything, to make sure the powder didn't enter through any cuts on their hands.

The second was basic Demon bait. I used some of the organs and sealed them in these 10 baseball-sized pots were the only parts of the snake I didn't exorcise their Youki from as they were going to be discarded. The pots themselves hid the aura but when broken the aura would spill out and would draw demons toward it.

I didn't have time for anything else so I just resealed the large pots for use later.

And that was it. I had nothing more to do, nothing to improve, or time to make anything else.

Oh Kami I am so nervous! What if It isn't enough!?

What if.

"Hey, Ren!" Kohaku touched my shoulder, making me jolt while breaking me out of my spiral and he sighed at my expression.

"Ren! It's gonna be fine. You have been rechecking for an hour! And look what you made!"

He stepped back to show himself off and with a twirl, he smiled at me.

"It's incredible! It's the best birthday gift I ever got! I swear to wear it always!"

"So, this is the reason why you wanted Kohaku with you, the armor was for him."

Both of us turned towards the door to see the Chief and my Father where the former spoke first then the second.

"Heh, To think that you would give your first true work for your close friend instead of yourself. Why did you do that?"

I rubbed my tired eyes before answering.

"I can't fight. Any gear I made for myself would either never be used or used incorrectly. So I decided to give it to someone who would truly appreciate and need the armor. It just so happened that Kohaku's birthday was last month so I did this for him."

The chief and my Father shared a glance before the Chief spoke.

"Since my own son will be wearing this armor I will also grade your work. Do you mind?"

I nodded my head with respect.

"Of course not Chief! Please do."

Both men entered the shop and began circling Kohaku, who made sure to respond to every command to move to allow them to take in my work with their own professional eyes. The chief himself made the weapons his own family uses which when added to his skills in demon slaying is why HE is the chief.

I held my breath, waiting for their verdicts and thoughts, my heart was beating so fast!

8 years. I had worked hard for 8 years in this trade and now it all came down to this. Will I fail? Or will I succeed?

My Dad started the questions.

"Why do you focus most of the bones on the torso, back, and groin areas?"

"Because they are the most vulnerable parts of the body. Since Slayers are constantly moving their arms which are in turn protected by the weapons they wield the only real weak spots are the back, chest, and groin. Demons tend to attack the back so having it protected is obvious."

"And the skull helmet?"

"The Skull was just the right size for being made into a helmet to protect the head from arrows or other blows and see the notches on the sides where the lower jaw was attached? He can tie the gas mask around those to lock them in place making it harder for an enemy to remove them!"

The chief then asked his questions.

"What are the hooks on the sides of his hips for?"

"They are for the equipment made for the Scale Mail. Please, take a look at the table."

The Chief came over and began inspecting the equipment while I spoke.

"This is a bag of the dried and powdered blood, venom, and bile of the snake. This can be thrown in the eyes of foes to blind them and is why I made the gloves for the armor as it will keep it from entering any cuts on his hands."

The chief nodded at my words. And turned his gaze to the traps.

"I made these using some of the organs of the snake and are bait pots. They still retain some demon youki but the sealed pots keep it hidden. But when the pot breaks."

The chief cut in.

"Then the demons will rush towards the source. Good job. But is that it? I don't see an antidote for the poison."

I braced myself as I answered.

"I haven't finished making the antidote yet, I was limited on time and since I knew we had an antidote in reserve I decided to prioritize the other parts but once we smoke the snake's meat we will have some potent antidotes."

Silence. They both looked at me and I panicked a little.

"Wait! I even set up everything already!"

I patted the pot storing the meat.

"I already have the herbs needed to do it! I just didn't have time to make it and also guarantee my best efforts!"

The two hmmed before they left the shop, leaving Kohaku and by ourselves.

"Well, that's it. Now we just need to wait Ren."

"I know, but I'm still very worried! I know the antidote not being done is gonna cost me but it's not like I'm not going to do it! Once the test is over I'll take care of it."

"Kohaku nodded then asked a question.

"Hey, you said you ran out of time working on a sword. Did you throw it away? I don't see it here."

I chuckled as I shook my head.

"What are you talking about? The sword is right ov-!?"

I turned to the cot which I hadn't touched in 2 days, and pointed with my right hand at it only to gape as it was missing a certain jammed sword.

WHERE IS IT!?

I was about to scream when the pair came back in and my mind snapped to focus on their words. I can panic about the sword and find it later. Right now I needed to hear their verdict!

After a few seconds of tension, my dad smiled bigger than I had ever seen him.

"You did exactly as I expected of you, You passed with flying colors! You are no longer my apprentice. You are now a full-fledged Demon Forger!"

Holy crap! I did it! I'm a Demon Forger! Is this really happening? I'm now the same rank as my dad?

"Congratulations Ren, I am quite satisfied with your work though in the future make sure to make the antidote BEFORE you make the poison okay?"

I nodded my head rapidly at the words of the chief before Kohaku hugged me.

"You did it! I know you could!"

I hugged him back and we jumped up and down. Hell yes! I'm not just an apprentice anymore.

I had been his apprentice for so long and yet, it's over?

I kinda feel a little sad. And I think everyone noticed as I stopped hugging and hopping with Kohaku and Dad asked me with concern.

"Ren? What's wrong? This is a great day! Why do you look sad?"

Dang it, am I getting teary-eyed? Curse my prepubescent brain! I looked to the side as I mumbled.

"Well, This means that I'm not your apprentice anymore so we won't be able to work together on projects, and that made me a little sad."

Flick!

"Ow!"

He flicked me!

I glared at him, rubbing the small bruise on my forehead as he spoke sternly.

"Don't be so foolish! This doesn't mean we can't work together for the better of the village. It just means that you are no longer a novice! Besides, You need to prepare for your Pilgrimage!"

I blinked at this.

"Pilgrimage? What Pilgrimage?"

The room seemed to freeze as both the Chief and Kohaku's jaws dropped and stared at me in sheer disbelief.

Why were they acting like that?

The chief's eyes grew cold as he snarled at my Dad.

"Did you not tell your son about the PIlgrimage!?"

As my Dad's face paled Kohaku shakily put a hand on my shoulder and asked in an equally shaky tone.

"Ren, You really don't know? But you're older than me! How could you not know?!"

I was getting pissed at this point and I snarled just like the chief at them while pushing his hand off me.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN!? This is the first bloody time I've ever heard of this. So what is it!?"

The Chief lifted my Dad by his tunic collar and with words as sharp as his spear he gave an order.

"You are going to take Ren home and explain to both your wife AND your son just how absolutely irresponsible you are! Do you understand!?"

He nodded his head so fast he was like a bobblehead before the Chief dropped him on his ass and turned to Kohaku.

"Kohaku, come with me We need to prepare for the feast tonight."

"Yes, Chief." Kohaku gave me an apologetic look before following his Dad out as my own Dad told me.

"Come on, We are going home and I'll tell you everything."

With a growing pit in my stomach and the fires of frustration burning within, I followed my Father, uncertainty following my every step.

Our home was to the southeast corner and matched the ones around it. Inside was my mother and little sister who looked like they were ready for the day already.

My Mom was an older woman, with a few wrinkles on her face and brown hair done in a bun. She had slightly tanned skin, and brown eyes and wore a dark brown female kimono and sandals.

Both My Mom and Dad had children late in life mostly due to how long it took them to get together. The fact they even had Haru was a miracle all of its own.

Haru herself was a chubby baby with short black hair and eyes like polished onyx. She was dressed in a brown onesie and resting on my mom's shoulder.

"Oh! Sosuke, Ren! How did it go? Did you pass?"

I nodded but I continued to glare at my Dad who was grimacing.

My mother saw that something was off and asked.

"What's going on? Did something happen?"

Hell yes, it did! Thanks for the segway Mom!

"Mom, What the hell is a Pilgrimage?"

Mom looked shocked as if the idea of me not knowing wasn't even an option but that swiftly changed as any warmth she had vanished and a glare pierced Dad.

"Honey?" Her tone, while sweet, felt more like the rattling of a rattlesnake as my dad gulped.

"Yyyes dear?"

"Did you forget to tell Ren about the Pilgrimage?"

My Dad was sweating buckets now as he looked away from my mom while running a hand over his balding head making Mother sigh in exasperation.

"Honestly, How you managed to convince me to move here and raise such a good son with your memory is a miracle from the Gods."

Umm, what the hell are they talking about? And why is this pit in my stomach now an abyss?

My Dad gathered himself with a clearing of the throat, I think he was trying to look regal but the sweat ring around his robe's neck from my Mom's constant glare was ruining that.

"Ahem! Ren, As you probably have noticed there are very few children here in the village. This is due to the fact that your generation has yet to go on their Pilgrimages."

I cut him off, rage coloring my voice. "That explains nothing! What is a Pilgrimage!?"

My Dad looked ready to bite back but a soft "ahem" from Mom made him hold his rebuttal and he sighed again.

"Okay, You know how the Demon Slayers are always leaving the fortress? They go around earning money for the village. While they are out there if they come across a suitable partner they bring them here and they are welcomed to the village. That's how our Village has prospered for so long."

Yeah, I knew about that. But what does that have to do with me-oh, Oh no, Please, don't say what I think you are. I'm only 13! I'm underage! I'm not old enough for that! Wait, this is feudal Japan, there IS no legal age. Shit!

And true to my mounting horror, my dad confirmed my fears.

"But what about members of the clan who aren't Slayers? How do we find our partners? Through the Pilgrimage! Once we master our craft be it Demon forgers or any other trade we set out and travel the lands for a year in search of love and experience."

Oh my God, This can't be happening! What is this? A bad plot for a romance novel?

"During this year you are not allowed to use our village's name or reputation. The only things available to you are what you carry out of this village.

Numb, I'm just Numb. This is lunacy. Me? Get a wife? Who would want me?! I'm ugly! I'm weak! and what if my curse is passed onto my children? There is no woman alive who would be okay with this! This isn't a pilgrimage, It's a banishment!

"Now, You aren't required to find a Spouse before you return but every 2 years you will have to go on another Pilgrimage until you do find a spouse. I myself took 4 Pilgrimages before I met your Mother!" He then patted my shoulders with both hands with that giant smile on his face again.

"Tonight We'll celebrate you're becoming an adult and Tomorrow Morning You'll head out on your own. I am so proud of you!"

Unfortunately for all of us, this was too much for me to take all in at once and my eyes rolled back into my skull as my exhaustion from the month making the sword and the following 2 days of zero sleep kicked in.

I was back in the forest, in the same spot that I was before being several feet away from the sword but something had changed. The sword was no longer made of flame but now matched the sword I made in the waking world.

But that wasn't what drew my attention. What did was the thick golden vines with black thorns that rose from the ground twisting around each other to create a pseudo pedastel for the blade to rest in and it was a good thing to as since something was attacking it!

It was partially obscured by the fog below but between its serpentine shape and the eye-watering neon pink and black scaled hide, it was obvious to me that it was some kind of serpent!

It would try to hide beneath the fog, slithering around trying to find a chance to strike but whenever it tried the thorns would respond and form a barrier to block the attack resulting in the snake hissing in pain and frustration as it returned to the fog.

It didn't seem to be aware of me so I took the risk of flying to the thorns and my treasure that they held.

I braced myself, one of my solid blue eyes closed and my face turned away as I reached out to touch the sword half expecting to be repelled like the snake but no, instead my small white paw made contact with the sheath and at that moment I heard a woman's voice.

I did not know the voice but every word seemed to wrack my soul with such an intense sense of painful longing that in my grief I stopped flapping my wings only for the vines to form a platform without a single thorn on the top to keep me aloft and away from the snake as I fell to my orange furred knees.

"My Dear Knight. My precious Firstborn. Please, come home. I need you, your siblings need you! Awake from your nightmare and return to Eden!"

When I woke up I was in the medicinal hut where my Mom was taking care of me.

"Ren! Are you okay? You just collapsed out of nowhere and started crying."

I was crying? I touched my face, and yes I was crying. Why do I keep waking up with tears trailing down my cheeks?

I had a faint recollection of a snake and thorns but in my embarrassment of passing out crying, it faded away as I gave my Mom an embarrassed look as I rubbed the back of my head with my right hand, a habit I got from my Imbecile of a father.

"I May have stayed up several nights in a row and I didn't sleep at all last night. I was just so focused on making sure everything worked and between that and the uhm…Pilgrimage."

I frowned as I said the word.

"I think it all caught up to me."

There was a brief silence before my Mom sat down and asked kindly though it was more a statement than a real question.

"You don't want to go on the Pilgrimage, do you?"

I didn't even bother denying it as my Mom always knew how to make me talk.

So I unleashed my frustration upon her! Throwing my arms outward and upwards.

"Yeah, This is just so sudden! 3 months ago I celebrated my 13th year and now I'm suddenly expected to not only survive on my own for a year but also find a wife?! Don't I get a say in this!?"

My Mom shook her head.

"No, you don't."

I was going to shout but she held a hand up.

"Let me finish."

Grumpily, I did, folding my arms as she continued.

"If I had my way you would stay here forever but our village has been doing this for centuries and if you didn't go you would be an outcast. And I don't want that for you."

Outcast!? It would be this bad? Don't tell me."

"Let me guess, I'm getting kicked out tomorrow no matter what right?"

My mom gained a sad look as she nodded.

DAMN IT!

"Yes, You will not be allowed to return for a whole year. Everyone in this village has done this and the fact that Sosuke forgot to tell you this in the whole 8 years of your apprenticeship disappoints me greatly."

Ouch, from the glare Dad's gonna be sleeping on the proverbial couch for quite some time. Good! Bastard shoulda told me years ago!

But, I still gotta ask.

"Is there ANY way to avoid this? Can I just come back after a month?"

This time the glare was levied at me making me gulp.

"No. You can't. This is about far more than just finding a wife. It is a chance for you to learn, to grow as a person, to truly master your craft, and to bring pride to us all. As a Mother, I refuse to let you waste your potential! Nevertheless."

She then hugged me tightly, tears wetting my shirt.

" Also as a Mother, I am going to miss you so much! So please, come back to us okay? I want to see the man you become."

My own eyes were wet again as I returned the hug, grateful that no one saw my tears.

That Evening.

The entire Village was celebrating with Sake being brought out, Expensive meats being cooked, and everyone was dancing. As for me, I was sitting next to the Chieftain, with Kohaku to my left and Sango to the right of her Father. As I sat there I fiddled with the gift my Dad had made for me.

Apparently, my gift was a special blue-furred hooded cloak he had been making for about a year now. It wasn't an Eastern cloak but more a Western one with the hood big enough to leave my head fully hidden and the bottom reached my shins.

It was designed so that the brass circular disk could hook to the left shoulder of your clothes to hold the whole thing in place.

I remember my confusion as it was clasped around my neck and the mantle settled on my shoulders.

"Dad? What is this?"

My Dad was a bit more reserved as he had been thoroughly thrashed by Mom but his enthusiasm was still palpable by his proud smile.

"This is your reward for passing the Trial! I remember on my own Pilgrimages always getting soaked in the rain or freezing in the Winter. So, when the Chief brought in a dead Frost Otter a year ago I was struck by inspiration! It was as if the design was planted into my head and I just had to make it! I then took it for myself and have been working on it ever since."

"Frost Otter? They're the ones who drag people to death in cold water right?"

My Dad nodded as he finished attaching the cloak.

"Yes! And when their pelts are treated right it is not only highly resistant to damage but easily repel Water, snow, and wind! It even can resist cold and aquatic magics though extreme heat will get through quickly."

I turned to stare at his face for about 30 seconds before I decked him hard enough to make his nose bleed. He was knocked to the ground in surprise as my punch came out of nowhere and he got up angrily.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"What was that for!? You were making this for a year and not ONCE did you think to tell me about the Pilgrimage? We saw each other EVERY day and you still spaced on this?!"

He winced as he rubbed his cheek and to keep me from beating him up even more(Or more likely me being the one beaten black and blue) I turned away to go to the party.

"Consider that Punch part of your apology! Maybe after a year, I'll forgive you, but for now? I don't want to talk to you."

But even though I said that I smiled as I touched the cloak. For all I was angry at him for not telling me about the Pilgrimage, The fact he spent a year gathering the best materials possible to make this so I wouldn't suffer as he did during his Pilgrimages made me almost forgive him…..almost.

The Chief stood up, drawing everyone's gaze as he began talking.

"Today is a great day! For today our very own Ren has finished his training and become a true Demon Forger!"

He gestured for me to stand up and I did with the villagers clapping and cheering.

"And according to our traditions spanning back for centuries Tomorrow, he will set out into the world to hone his talents and find a spouse!"

Yeah, right. It's bad enough you're lying to me don't lie to yourself.

More cheering and the chief's wife came out of his house with a small bag which he then handed to me, the clinking of coins alerting me to it being money.

"As you all know. He will be only able to take what he can carry with him and until he returns he will not be allowed to say he is from our village! This will temper his will and let him appreciate our village even more! To help him along I have gifted him 100 Silver coins!"

He then spoke to me directly.

"Ren, I have seen you grow up from a boy who couldn't even swing a sword to a Demon forger who can swing his hammer better than anyone else to give a sword unlike any other to your clansmen. "

"In fact, your dedication to this village is so great that your first true work was armor for my only son. Armor so that he may be safe in battle. You have always been with my son, supporting each other and for that, I am eternally grateful. In my eyes you are more than a clansman, you are family."

Aw, that's sweet. But that isn't gonna stop you from kicking me out right?

"Though we will miss you we won't ever forget you and once you return an even greater celebration will be held! Now, let the feasting continue!"

I thought as much.

The last part was to the crowd and we partied late into the night.

We ate, and we drank though I myself declined the Sake I was in no mood to dull the memories of my last night here with booze. And we just had fun.

Me and Kohaku did an eating contest to see who could eat more. (It was me, obviously.) We danced around a large fire in the main square while drums played. (Kohaku was amazing at dancing and I had 2 left feet so he won that one.)

I would have had more fun if I knew where that stupid sword went! Did someone steal it? Then again, who would want a sword you couldn't draw? And besides, I already passed my test! So I'll just write it off as a casualty of war and enjoy my final evening home.

Now, ah yes! There is still some chicken left!

The next morning came far too soon and I was now standing outside the village, a large bag on my back containing my birthday gift, which was an entire set of tools for my trade, clothes, food, a skinning knife, a one-handed bone Warhammer I made 6 months ago, and my cloak.

The whole village was there including both Mom and Dad and Kohaku who were all crying.

"Son, I wish you success! Make sure not to forget to keep your tools clean!"

"Yeah, I know." My cold answer made him wince but he just nodded and stepped back to let my Mom who was holding Haru say her goodbyes.

"Ren! Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep!"

I smiled at her. "I will!" Similar answer to my Dad but one was happy and the other was cold. Hopefully, some time apart would cool my anger.

Then it was Kohaku's turn.

"Ren! Make sure you come back okay!?"

I smiled a tired smile as I nodded.

"Of course! Who else is gonna fix your armor when you inevitably break it?"

We gave each other a solid High five, one so hard that both our hands stung.

I then said the very last goodbye to my little sister Haru, who while still too young to understand what was going on still knew that something sad was happening so she was very upset.

I took her from Mom, hugged her, and began rocking her to calm down.

"Don't worry Haru, Big Brother will be back before you know it! So don't cause Mommy and Daddy Trouble okay?"

I gave a quick kiss on her cheek and returned the now calm baby to Mom and I said to the whole village, choking a little as I forced myself to sound happy when I was definitely NOT Happy.

"I'll see you all in a year! I love you all!"

The village all waved goodbye and soon, the gate to the fortress closed with a strange sense of finality. I was alone. I turned my body to leave, hoping my back hid the tears as I was already homesick. But I refused to look weak here. Everyone has done this before so I can't disappoint everyone!

Though I thought this I still was quite slow walking away from the only home I have ever known, my thoughts turning bitter and sad as I held a private pity party.

"Geez, I didn't think I would be homesick this quickly. God, do I miss them."

"Mew!"

I paused my walking at the sound of a kitten mewing and I turned to see Kilala in her kitten form looking up at me.

"Oh! Kilala! I didn't even think to say goodbye to you. Sorry about that."

I bent down to pet her but she avoided my hand and mewed at me again.

"What is it?"

She turned towards the village and then back to me. She did this 3 times and mewed.

I gave a sad sigh as I understood.

"No Kilala, as much as I wish I could just go home you know the rules. I can't return for 1 year. Though, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who thinks this Pilgrimage thing is stupid."

I turned to continue walking ignoring Kilalala's constant mewing and just waved without looking back.

"See ya later Kilala!"

ROAR!

I froze as a fearsome roar rang out behind me and I quickly turned around to see a fully transformed Kilala glaring into my frightened eyes.

"Um, Kilala What are ya doing?"

ROAR!

Hey! Put me down! The crazy cat just grabbed me by the hood of the cloak and threw me into the air!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH oof!" I landed on her back and she wasted no time flying into the air with her flaming feet.

"Okay Okay! I guess I'm going back to the village right? They can't argue with the guardian of our village right?"

Maybe, I won't have to leave? Yeah! Screw the Pilgrimage! If Kilala says no then it means no!

"Alright, just go down to the village and- why did you fly over it?"

She just flew over the village! Hell, she flew so high up it would have been impossible for anyone to have seen us! What is going on?

Judging from her direction and that she is now losing altitude she must be heading to.

"The Limestone Cave? Why are we going there?"

The Limestone cave was both the most sacred place in the village as well as the dumping ground for all parts of demons we don't use. This is due to the barrier not only hiding the aura of the remains but also destroying them over time.

As for why there was a barrier in the first place. That's a long story.

So here are the cliff notes!

Long ago there was a powerful priestess named Midoriko. She was the most powerful priestess to ever live and she could slay thousands of demons with ease with her powers of purification. In her last battle, she faced a demon dragon so powerful that entire armies would fall to its power.

The pair fought to a standstill and when Midoriko realized she couldn't win….She decided that if she couldn't win. Then she would make sure both of them lost.

She sealed the demon dragon's soul alongside her own and yeeted the thing out of her chest and that became the infamous Shikon Jewel or translated, the Jewel of 4 souls.

That should have been the end of the story. But no, the jewel was SUPER cursed. Whoever had it would get stupidly powerful and depending if the person was good or evil the jewel would become corrupted or pure. A pure one is just fine but a corrupted one was basically Satan's Pokeball. Only bad things would come out of it. The biggest problem was that purifying it was stupidly hard but corrupting it was stupidly easy. So yeah, Cursed. We literally couldn't deal with it last time so it was given to some priestess over 50 years ago who could purify it and wow! Would you look at that?

She was murdered by a half-demon who wanted it for himself But that priestess at least did one thing right. She burned the jewel with her body and sent it to hell where it belongs! And all that remains of that battle is inside the cave that Kilala has now stopped in front of.

"So, Kilala? Why are we in front of the Limestone cave? Are we just gonna Okay, I guess we are going in then? Great."

Kilala didn't answer as we descended into the cave, the barrier easily letting us through and I am now definitely sure something insane is about to happen.

It could be anything. A horde of demons? Aliens? Robots? Who freakin knows! Whatever it is will surely-wait a second. IS THAT MY FUCKING SWORD?!

Yep, it was, no matter how many times I rubbed my eyes or pinched my cheek there it was. The sword I made but couldn't draw, the sword that disappeared without a trace somehow found it's way into the shrine. And not just anywhere no…that would be too simple. My sword was currently sitting in the mouth of a fossilized dragon made up of countless demons whose remains were sprinkled all over the cave and the mouth was rising skyward, trying to swallow a female warrior with a gaping hole in her chest and missing her arm!

If you couldn't figure it out yet, yes, my sword was currently defiling the several hundred-year-old shrine where the Hell Pokeball came from.

So I did the most reasonable thing anyone with any common sense would do in this situation.

"NOPE!" I got off Kilala and began walking to the exit.

"No way, you can keep the sword. I'm getting out of here!"

"ROAR!"

"GAH! Oh, come on Kilala! Let me leave! I'm already cursed and I don't wanna be double cursed!"

This evil demon was standing between me and the exit and from the growling, if I tried to pass her I would be torn to shreds.

Which means.

Gulp.

"Please, don't make me take the evil sword from the cursed shrine."

I begged Kilala but she merely shook her head and cracked one of her tails like a whip.

Crap. I understood perfectly my situation. Either I go retrieve the sword or I become a meal for Kilala.

"Fuck my life." I cursed as I begin climbing the corpse to reach the top. Ew! When up close I can see even more clearly just how many demons made up this dragon!

As much as I wanted it not to the climb would continue it eventually ended and I was at eye level with the ancient priestess.

Huh, for fossilized rock she is kinda pretty. Though the gaping hole in her chest and missing arm detracts from it.

I then look at the 'dragon'

Wait, this is more like an eel than a dragon. Like, its lower jaw is pathetic!

I gave a nervous chuckle as I then turned to the reason I was standing on demon fossils.

My sword.

It looked mostly the same as it did before but now the cross, which was once just an engraving, now held a pink cross-shaped gem inside it.

"Yeah, I don't like that."

Where did that pink gem come from? Damn it! I shouldn't have done that decal!

I glanced one last time at Kilala, desperately praying that she would show mercy but no, she was now standing beneath me, her eyes locked to mine and she made a low growl.

"Guess I can't get out of this."

I shakily reached for the sword, closing my eyes because I didn't want to see what would happen next!

"Sword no Cursing! Sword no Cursing! Sword no Cursing!"

My hand then made contact with the handle….

SHATTER!

My eyes snap open in surprise as it feels like something deep inside my heart has just shattered into thousands of pieces!

And from that shattering came some kind of sensation flooding my veins that I both knew nothing of while simultaneously knowing everything about it.

And it could be summarized in one word.

Power.

It was power!

I lifted the sheathed sword skyward in awe, the gem inside shining bright bathing the cave in dancing pink light and I tried once again to pull it out. It should work, right?

HNNNGH!" The sensation of power faded alongside the glow as I once again failed to draw the stupid sword!

"What a tease! And here I thought I was the chosen one or something for a moment there."

I scoffed annoyed as I slipped the sword into my belt and descended the stupid fossil tower.

Kilala backed up to allow me to reach the ground and I pulled out the sword and waved it in front of her.

"THERE! I took the freaking Sword! You happy?"

Kilala didn't look at me and instead continued to stare upward.

"Uh, does this mean I can leave?"

She glanced a moment at me then back up.

"What are you looking at?"

'Psssssst"

? what's that sound?

I felt something coarse near my foot so I looked down.

"Grey sand?" There was a pool of grey sand that was steadily growing and it was traveling down the remains.

"Oh Kami please no." I had a horrible, terrible premonition and I looked upward, towards the source of the sand and

0_0

9_9

It's melting.

The shrine, the holy remains of our tribe's founder, The proof that the legendary Shikon Jewel came from our village. That has stood for centuries…..is now melting away into grey sand!

All because of me.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" I screamed as I dropped the sword as I desperately tried to put the grey sand back on the remains but no matter how fast I scooped, I couldn't keep it together!

Psssssst

Psssssst

Pssssst

"No! Not the demon remains!"

The dragon remains weren't the only things turning to sand. Every fossil in this entire cave was turning into that damned sand!

What do I do WHAT DO I DO!?

PSSSSSSST

A stream of sand poured onto my head, partially filling my hood as I quickly got out of the way of the stream.

"What!? More sand why would…..

"ROAR!"

Woah! Kilala, with the sword in her mouth, pushed me onto her back by going between my legs and we rapidly fled from the cave.

But why are we running away? Unless.

I looked upward and my soul left my body as I understood.

It wasn't just the remains, The entire cave was collapsing into grey sand! If we don't get out in time we'll be buried alive!

I wasted no time dumping the sand from my hood and flipping it up to protect me from the CEILING and screamed

"GO FASTER KILALA! OR WE WILL BE BURIED ALIVE!"

"ROAR!"

Giant fonts of grey sand the size of marble columns were pouring down and if we were hit by any of them we'd be pinned and then that's it. We would die.

"WAHHHHHH! I DON'T WANNA DIE!"

Kilala was dodging between the pillars but with the limited width of the cave, she was having a seriously hard time making any progress which meant I wasn't making any progress so what could I do?

I have no fighting skills, I have no spiritual powers, and I have no gear to help with this!

So all I could do was hug and grip Kilala's fur while praying for our escape.

I hate this.

She dodged to the right harshly, almost making me fall.

I hate this!

"She yowled as a new font of sand almost took her left tail, causing the sword to fall backward

"I HATE THIS!"

Lup-Dup

I reached out my right hand, and my sword landed with me holding it in the middle of the sheath.

"No! I refuse to let us die like this!"

Ba dump!

The sword pulsed in tandem with my racing heart, leaving faint afterimages expanding from it.

I then heard a noblewoman's voice, tinged with dignity and poise.

"Guardian. If you wish to live, you must call my name."

Guardian? Name? Where was this voice coming fro-

Gah!

I had to jerk my arm holding the sword to my chest to prevent my arm from being torn off from a pillar!

"Okay! I'll say it! But where are you!? And What's your name!?"

I looked around desperately for the lady. How can I call her name if I don't know where she is or what she looks like?

"I am in your hands. Gaze upon my cross and my name shall be revealed."

She's in my hands? But the only thing in there is…..?

"You are the swo?-Oh JEEZ!"

Kilala had to do some Tron nonsense and ran across the walls and ceiling forcing me to hug Kilala tight while also holding the sword with a death grip.

The moment that we were upright I wasted no time gazing into the pink cross.

As I stared into it I began to see something. It's… a garden? Yeah, it's a massive garden of fruit trees. They were full of life of all kinds, from lions to sheep and everything in between living peacefully with each other eating grass or fruit but not each other.

And sitting in the center of this garden, towering over everything were two trees the size of mountains

The left looked vibrant and alive, leaves the size of cars hanging off branches bearing ripe red fruit resembling apples. The second looked withered with not a single leaf upon it and bore shriveled fruit of green resembling pears.

But how would this tell me the sword's name!?

Wait. a garden with two trees? The animals don't eat each other? I I Know this! This is..

And like that. I knew her name!

I grabbed the hilt of the blade and unlike every other time, the sword parted from the sheath to reveal a grey sword with a black core wreathed in golden flames. I let the sheath fall away as I raised it with two hands to the falling sky and screamed!

"CHERRUUBIN!"

The blade emitted blinding yellow light which then turned into dozens of transparent golden vines tipped with blackthorns growing as if from the sword's blade that took the shape of a sphere which then easily deflected a falling pillar of sand that was about to fall on us.

Killala, no longer fearing the pillars took the fastest route out and in mere moments we burst out the exit and a few seconds later, a huge amount of grey sand shot out, destroying the entrance and covering the entire clearing in the coarse refuse. And just like that. The place where the Shikon jewel was born was no more than a pile of sand.

The barrier then faded as KIlala landed with a huff and de transformed back into a kitten, utterly exhausted and I fell face first into the sand, losing my grip on Cherruubin, with it flying away from which from the sound broke something upon landing. Maybe a branch?

"We're alive?" I raised my hooded head to see the sky and I teared up.

"WE SURVIVED!" I cheered as I rose to my feet and turned toward Cherruubin….only to gasp in shock as her BLADE WAS BROKEN!

Everything from the hilt up was just gone, leaving only a small point the size of a thumb remaining.

"ARE YOU SHITTING ME!?"

I screamed in rage as I stalked over to the piece of garbage that just destroyed the Limestone cave and glared at it as I picked it up

"Great! Just Great. I not only destroyed a historical landmark but now the thing that destroyed it, the so-called 'Cherruubin' exploded after one use! AUGH! I can't believe I am going to be banished forever over a worthless backscratcher!

"I am no backscratcher."

Gah! I dropped the hilt only for it to not hit the ground as it floated up to be eye level with me?!

"What the hell? How are you floating? You're just a Hilt!"

This was some 9th-level bullshittery going on here!

"This sword is merely a vessel for me. And a poor one at that."

"Well exxxcusse me Princess! I'm sorry that my craftsmanship was so shitty then! How about you find some other smith to make you a new one and hey! You know what you can also do? You can go defile another sacred shrine too!"

I turned away as I tried to shake off some of the sand that completely covered me.

"I'm leaving. I don't want to be anywhere near this place when the others find out about this."

Can I even show my face again? If they ever found out that I did this…They would banish me! So if I'm being banished one way or another. I'd rather be banished for and year and hope no one ever connects me with destroying the shrine.

I glanced at Kilala as I walked past.

"Whelp! Since you can't stop me with you being so tired and it being YOUR fault I was in there in the first place I think YOU should take the blame!"

Kilala made a weak growl but I just laughed and gave a cheery wave.

"Sorry! I can't hear you over the sound of me not giving a shit! Bye Bye!"

I then began running as fast as I could, putting all my strength into it as if I was running for my life which in a way was true., If I could get far enough then Kilala wouldn't be able to find me!

I wasn't dumb enough to go towards the village so instead, I just kept going south, passing by the cave and continuing on my way!

Goodbye, stupid sword! Goodbye, stupid Cat! Hello, freedom!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I laughed happily as I avoided both consequence and Nuisance!

Though my personal memories are faded my memories of everything else are just fine! And I have seen enough anime to know that I, a Reincarnator, getting involved with a sword that can talk RIGHT as I am embarking on a year-long pilgrimage just REEKS of the main character and I have no interest in being one!

And considering I live in a land full of demons I won't survive even the first Arc!

So even now a couple of hours later as I lay against a tree panting for breath I cannot help but giggle as I have successfully avoided being the Main Character!

Heh.

"Hey, Sango's a Main Character, right? That oh-so 'perfect' princess is a master fighter AND a smith! So she can deal with that desecrating backscratcher!"

"As I have said before, I am no Backscratcher."

Author's Note:

And here we go! Poor Boy. Don't you know that there is no escape? I am trying to get the chapters I have already written posted as soon as I can so you, the readers, can get a taste of what the story is about. If you are curious you can get an idea of what I am working with if you search for the jumpchains for each setting I reference as they form the backbone of this story. Granted, I am taking full advantage of the Ultimate Meta CYOA so that certain limits are more suggestions but I don't have an infinite budget just a pretty big one.

Reference:

Seven Deadly Sins: a Netflix anime with a lot of cool concepts but after season 2 the animation and story drop in quality to the point where I never fully finished it. He is of the Fairy Race which is stated in the description of the story and Sacred Treasures are powerful magical artifacts used by the main cast.