Greetings, one and all. Yes, another disclaimer for you all. I in no way, shape, or form, own anything about Onimusha (Capcom does!) or DC Comics (duh!) This, I hope, is the fan-fic that really gets me going in my writing again. Enjoy!
(''): Mental thoughts
(""): Oni Council discussions
Onimusha: The Return
... Prologue ...
The year 1598, a few weeks after the defeat of the Genma in feudal Japan...
... Darkness...
The hidden location was totally pitch black to the naked eye, as it had been when it was first constructed so many millenia ago to house its occupants. Then, one by one, glowing purple lights began to appear in a perfect circle. When the twelfth and final sphere of light had appeared, a chorus of voices all sounded out one phrase to each light there.
("GREETINGS, HONORED MEMBERS OF THE ONI.")
The voices present, as well as the glowing purple lights, were the spiritual energies of the mythical Oni Council: a saintly order of ancient, supernatural demi-humans who sought to protect humanity from the terrible Genma, who preyed upon humanity and wished to devour them, both figuratively and spiritually. The unnamed members of the Council were the twelve Oni gods, the most powerful of their tribe from primordial times, who had long ago shed their mortal shells to exist as pure spiritual energy.
In doing this, the twelve Oni gods could continue their duty of protecting Earth from harm, especially from the forces of the hated demonic Genma, and guiding the human race away from destruction. Now, after so many long centuries of bloodshed and war, the chosen champions of the Oni - the Onimusha, literally the 'Demon Warrior' - and the return of the mighty 'Black Oni,' the reincarnation of their God of Darkness in a mortal shell, had again sealed away the Genma's God of Light after a titanic battle.
With the Omen Star, the prison formed to hold the Genma's deity, returned to its hidden place in the heavens once more, the Oni Council had convened once again, to take stock of the repercussions of all the death and destruction that had come to pass due to their war with the Genma, and humanity's oppression along the way. One of the purple lights began to pulsate, sounding out its words to its fellow Oni brethren.
("My brethren, there is much to discuss. As is my duty, I speak first upon the matter of the Genma.") Another voice answered the first.
("Speak; tell us of what you have seen.") The first voice complied.
("Fortinbras, the Genma God of Light, still lives.") Voices murmured in the background at that statement, only to be answered again by the first speaker. ("That being said, his power has been vastly sundered from his being defeated, and sealed away once more, by the Black Oni.")
Before their eyes, a white globe appeared, showing the fierce final battle between the reborn and freed Fortinbras, Soki - the reincarnated Black Oni - and his allies as they finally stopped the God of Light, ending with Soki's decision to sacrifice his life to seal away Fortinbras. As his allies went their separate ways, the Oni gods went on with their discussion of what was to come.
("Continue.") The second voice spoke up.
("The Genma God of Light can no longer manifest himself here in this dimension, my brethren, nor does he have any more followers who could try to release him from his prison.") At those words from the first voice, a third voice, distinctly female, sounded out in the darkness.
("What of our own time-space continuum? Are we still safe from the distortions wrought by Fortinbras' machinations?") As the other voices spoke in hushed tones about that fact in the background, the first voice answered them.
("We are safe.") The voice replied. ("However, a particular instance in the future of this world has been directly affected, my brethren, and not for the best. Observe.")
The white sphere changed again, showing a vast city of the future, on distant shores, and populated by millions of humans. Then, the scene changed to the skyline, showing three distinct beings standing atop one of the tallest buildings.
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The first one, a powerfully built male, was actually hovering above the rooftop, his crimson red cape flapping in the wind behind him, while a triangular shield adorned his blue-clothed chest, with a stylized 'S' at its center. His eyes and ears seemed to survey the entire city below him, and although he exuded great strength, the compassion flowing off his very soul was just as powerful.
The second person, a beautiful woman with features that any goddess would be jealous off, was also hovering off the ground, clad in a swimsuit-type armor, silver bracelets on her wrists, a tiara on her head, a shimmering golden lasso on her hip, and a sword and shield on her back. The waves of divine energy that her aura possessed also spoke volumes about how special, and important, she was to the world.
The third and final person, another well-built male, was dressed all in black, and his outfit was tailored to look like a demonic bat from hell. A belt with multiple pouches encircled his waist, and the emblem of his namesake was emblazoned on his chest, much like the floating male. His white eyes narrowed as they took in the city, making the force of his intense will palpable to the senses of the Oni Council. This one fought the darkness around him, while using it to intimidate any who dared cross him.
As the Oni Council looked at the images of the trio of beings before them, the first voice spoke up again.
("These three warriors of humanity - this 'Trinity' - will be the greatest protectors of the human race, come four hundred years from the date that Fortinbras was resealed within the Omen Star by the Black Oni.") The first voice spoke. ("And yet, only one of them is truly human: the one shrouded in black.")
("Only HE is human?") A fourth voice chimed in. The first one spoke again.
("The woman is a creation of the gods of ancient Greece, an answered prayer from a tribe of warrior-women wronged by cruel men of the past, and her own mother, who could not bear a child of her own. She is their messenger, preparing to invite her tribe back into the world's events, while showing people a better way to exist.") The Oni gods 'nodded' at one another as the first voice kept on speaking.
("The male who bears the 'S' shield on his chest is one of the last known survivors of an advanced, benevolent, yet humanoid race of aliens, whose planet was lost long ago, along with almost every member of their race.") The Oni Council murmured at that revelation. ("Earth shall become his adopted home, and the humans who will raise him here shall instill in him virtues that will guide him to use his vast power to protect them all, and his adopted home, from any and all enemies who seek its enslavement or its destruction.")
("And the human?") A fifth voice spoke up. ("He wields the skills of ninja masters, from what I can see, and more.")
("Intelligence, peerless reasoning, and an indomitable will, driven by a tragedy that took away what should have been a loving childhood.") The first voice replied. ("Although he has no 'powers' to speak of, it is his influence and strategic skill that aids many of the world's heroes in their endeavors.")
("If this future is the one that we must aid, where the Genma can possibly return, and the dark energies left by their passing and Fortinbras' return can cause further destruction, then we must once more take steps to ensure our presence there.") A sixth voice stated to its brethren. ("Are the three we have chosen to work in this journey ready?")
("They are ready.") The first voice said, only to be followed by the second.
("Why this time, my brethren?") The others 'listened' to its words. ("Why has this place in time become so important?")
("Because, my brethren...") The first voice spoke up again. ("... it is the next era in which the Black Oni will return once more to stand against the Genma, and many other evils who once more desire to take this world for their own.")
The Oni Council collectively gasped. Their savior - their legendary God of Darkness, clad in the shell of a mortal being, and wielding the furious might of a true god of war - would return again. The first voice continued on as the Council composed itself after that revelation.
("Due to the strains upon the time-space continuum from Fortinbras' resurrection, our agents have found that the essence of the Oni of the Ash, - Soki, he who became the Black Oni - will find its way into a family with ancient Oni ancestry... and a long-hidden Oni noblewoman, who will be the mother of the next Black Oni.") The Council 'hummed' in response of that statement.
("He shall come unto us once more?") The third voice stated.
("The unfettered power of the Black Oni is unbound by time and space, my brethren. Not even Fortinbras himself is able to fully comprehend it. IT chooses when its power is needed to protect both our remaining people, and the human race.") The first one said, as its 'gaze' peered upon the white sphere, seeing a shadowy image within it.
The shadowy reincarnation of the Black Oni stood tall, bearing the well-remembered Oni Gauntlet on one arm, and with the emblem of the Oni seared into the hand its metal length covered. Also, on its left wrist, was the Oni Whip, once given to a future ally of the Onimusha when the time stream had been distorted by the Genma, and another human had chosen to fight for the Oni, and his own future.
Then, finally, the Oni Council saw the familiar shimmering white hair flash into being as the Black Oni channeled his powers, invoking his greatest Onimusha transformation, which now bore FOUR arms! The two upper arms held the weapons of the Gauntlet and the Whip, while one of the lower ones focused the summoned weapons within the Oni mark on its hand, while the remaining one had altered itself into the Oni Beam Cannon wielded by the Onimusha descendant of the fallen lady Oni, Takajo.
As Soki had been before him, this unrevealed being truly stood as the Black Oni, the God of Darkness returned to defend the human race, and the world, from evil. The Oni Council all 'nodded' in approval.
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("Magnificent...") ("Incredible...") ("Astounding...") were the words they spoke, followed by the first voice once more.
("So, it is decided?") A powerful hum sounded out, unanimous in its tone. ("Very well; we shall dispatch our three selected warriors to a point in time where they will collect the necessary resources to aid the Black Oni's return.")
("When shall this be?") The third voice spoke.
("Some time before the Black Oni reveals himself to these heroes, an invasion of the planet, alien in its origin, will be defeated and turned back.") The first voice stated, even as an image of three alien vessels appeared in the black of space. ("Although this is the second one in less than five years in that time period, it is the most prominent, and most easily used to aid our efforts.")
("Agreed.") They sounded as one.
("Our three chosen agents shall assault and take over these three alien vessels, each in succession, and transform them with our own technology into locations that the Black Oni will need, and transportation methods.") The first voice stated.
("When the time is right, the Black Oni himself will reach within his own being, and summon the Gauntlet, the Whip, and his own Oni powers to his side. Then, we shall know his name. Until that time, we shall remain hidden, as always, within the time stream.") The third voice replied.
("Agreed.") The Council replied.
("Now, then...") The second voice spoke. ("... summon our agents, give them their orders, and send them forth.")
Another powerful hum filled the air, and in a flash of light, three demi-human forms appeared before the Oni Council! One of them was the reborn Marcellus, the legendary Oni warrior who last held the sacred 'Arashi' Wind Orb before Samanosuke Akechi took it from his reanimated body, courtesy of the hated Genma scientists. Standing tall and strong once more, he immediately kneeled before the twelve lights.
The second, surprisingly, was the Genma swordsman Gogandantess. He had been the most difficult of opponents for Takajo's son to face, before the Genma Lord himself, but also the most honorable in their duels, even saving one of the Oni descendants from harm before their final battle. Upon his death, where his honor and respect was revealed, the Oni Gods resurrected him in a form identical to what he once was, but now ready to serve the Oni.
Stabbing his two-handed sword into the ground, Gogandantess also quickly kneeled before the Council. He then looked over at the last member of their trio. The third of the demi-humans remained standing for a moment, gazing down at the mystical bindings on his wrists. He was the Oni traitor Gargant, who had sided with Nobunaga to bring the world under the rule of the Genma, and the murderer of the valiant kuniochi Kaede, one of the allies of the first Onimusha: Samanosuke Akechi himself.
The bearer of the Oni Gauntlet had tracked him down, destroying the vast Genma fleet traveling with Gargant before finally slaying Gargant with the power of his Onimusha form, avenging his lost ally. A minute later, Gargant sighed, and finally joined the others in kneeling before the Council. Marcellus spoke first to the twelve lights.
"You have summoned us, and we have come." The deep baritone of the Oni warrior filled the room. "Command us; we are your humble servants." Although Gargant growled under his breath, he nodded at Marcellus' words. Gogandantess placed his hand over his chest, acknowledging his agreement as well.
("The task standing before you three shall be no easy one, warriors.") The Council sounded out as one, before the fourth voice manipulated the white sphere in the center of the circle of the purple lights.
The sphere changed its surface, showing them an image of two smaller space-faring vessels, slowing following a much larger one. ("These futuristic ships you see are part of the remaining invasion force from the alien race known as the Reach. The heroes of the future we have viewed stopped their devious advance, defeated them, and drove them away from the Earth.") The three nodded, which prompted Marcellus to speak.
"Truly commendable for the heroes, honored Council." The purple lights hummed at the words of the reborn Oni general. "Now, however, knowing what will come to this world shortly after this, what is your will?" The Council hummed again as the first voice again spoke to the three warriors.
("You three will travel through the time conduit, and commandeer these vessels with both subterfuge and force, for they contain the most bloodthirsty of the invaders who wished to enslave the planet. Then, we will make use of their plundered resources to prepare the way for the return of the Black Oni...") The first voice clearly stated, before it was interrupted.
"A child's errand." Gargant grumbled sourly, only for Marcellus to growl even louder at his brethren's words.
"Mind your tone, Gargant; remember well who it is to whom you speak." Marcellus said, briefly resting his hand on his massive broadsword to enforce his tone.
"Your defeat at the hands of the Onimusha is irrelevant here. Gogandantess has acknowledged this fact already... and so will YOU. Am I clear?" Marcellus' tone left no room for argument.
It took a moment for Gargant to reply to that threat, but he did. "Understood. My fate is in the hands of the Council,... as it has always been." Gargant's words seemed hollow, but he knew better than to try and cause a scene. So long as the Oni Binders laced his wrists, he could not summon his personal blade or his powers, not without the express permission of either Marcellus or Gogandantess.
It still burned Gargant that one human had defeated him when he had turned against the Oni and served the Genma Lord Nobunaga. Now, to be under the command of a fallen, but redeemed Genma swordsman, and the reborn Oni General of legend, his teeth were ready to grind together into powder. Still, the Oni Council had chosen to call him back from the great beyond to serve them once more, now that the Black Oni's return had been foretold yet again to them all. They needed each other, without a doubt.
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"When shall we begin, honored Council?" Gogandantess spoke up. Even though the pitch of his voice was slightly off due to his rebirth, his meaning was honorable. Ever since his defeat, the kind words of the Onimusha warrior who had beaten him had given him solace, and were eventually the reason the Oni Council recalled his soul from the great void to join their ranks.
Now, with the Council's blessing, Gogandantess could aid them in their efforts to protect the time stream and humanity's future. These 'Reach' were not humans, and they had tried to invade and conquer the planet. The Oni Council had no problem giving the three warriors the go-ahead to strike at the scheming aliens, and end their existence before they could cause any more harm elsewhere.
("Our time conduit shall place Marcellus upon one of the smaller vessels first, to act as a distraction, while Gogandantess and Gargant shall assault the larger vessel.") The first voice of the Oni Council spoke. ("You shall be given infiltration magics that will prevent the vessels from both escaping deeper into space, or summoning more allies, as well as disabling their space drives and inner defenses.")
"How strong are they, honored Council?" Gogandantess asked, ready to hear what kind of enemies they would be facing. The second voice of the Council seemed to chuckle at his inquiry.
("Eager as ever for battle, eh, Gogandantess?") The others all agreed at the assessment of the reborn Genma swordsman. ("See for yourself.")
The white sphere at the center of the room changed once more. The images of the Reach played forth, showing the three warriors the power of the insect-like armors, their deadly weapons, combat skills, and sheer numbers. Even Gargant began to smirk at seeing all of that before him; it was going to be one hell of a battle, exactly what he needed to vent his frustrations at his current state.
("The time conduit will place you all at your locations as the aliens flee from capture at the hands of the heroes, and before the ancients called the Guardians of the Universe can pass judgment on them.") The first voice responded to their unspoken thoughts, the sphere showing the ships just passing beyond the edge of the solar system.
"That area they're passing through is fraught with communication interference, even for their advanced systems." Marcellus commented. "It shall make our actions all the more effective, but we shall not underestimate them. Your magical shield will protect you, of course, Gogandantess, but Gargant will have to fend for himself... something that I think he will not mind in the slightest." Gargant smirked again.
"I will do what I've been sent to do, Marcellus..." Gargant replied. "... but yes, I shall indeed enjoy the fighting to come. Let us see just how powerful these 'Reach' are, when the battlefield is even, and they face warriors ready to end them." The Council again hummed as one.
("The decision is made. The conduit shall be made ready, and you all shall leave for this mission post haste.") The second voice stated. ("Once it is completed, and the vessels are in our control, the next phase shall begin.") At that, the three Oni warriors bowed their heads in acceptance, and then vanished from sight.
("It is done.") The Council said as one, before vanishing into thin air.
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Sol System, outer orbit - four hundred years later...
"What in the holy cosmos is keeping us from going to translight speeds!?" A Reach commander bellowed over the intercom to his ship's engine room. It was bad enough that the invasion of Earth had been turned away by its so-called heroes, not to mention that their trump card of trying to destroy the planet had also failed.
They were now trying to escape from the system before any more Green Lanterns or any of the Guardians appeared to capture them, but their engineers had begun reporting fluctuations left and right with their propulsion systems. They could only proceed at sublight speeds, as did their escort carriers nearby, and that meant a bigger chance of capture to them all.
"Sir, I beg forgiveness..." The Reach engineer responded. "... but we have done every thing possible to restore full function to the main drives. Something about these region of space is the cause of our problem, and until we clear it, we MUST proceed at sublight speeds to ensure our survival."
"Make all haste to clear our vessels from this region." The Reach commander barked, only to receive a screech of static in response. "Bridge to Engine Room, report! Report, curse you!" The only word that came through the static a moment later shook the commander to his bones.
"INVADERS!"
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Back in the engine room of the lead cruiser, that shout was the only word that the engineer was able to blurt out before the two-handed blade of Gogandantess pierced clean through his armor, ending him before Gargant leaped over him, slamming his feet into three armored warriors nearby! With them stunned, Gargant looked over at the reborn Genma-turned-Oni.
"Well!?" Gargant yelled, holding up his still-bound hands. Gogandantess smirked back at him as he took a purple orb with a red stripe on it from his belt, and smashed it into the console, dispersing the infiltration magics into the ship's systems.
"You know the rules, Gargant!" Gogandantess yelled back, even as he hurled a energy-charged dagger over Gargant's head, and into the eye of a Reach warrior lurking nearby. The alien screeched in agony as the Genma swordsman looked on at his handiwork. "Still waiting!"
"By the gods, all right!" Gargant shouted back. "I shall obey my oath! No harm shall come to you or Marcellus by my hand, or the Council shall return me to the void!" With that, the twin bindings on Gargant's arms glowed in response, while Gogandantess tapped another opaque sphere on his belt. A moment later, the band receded into twin brands on Gargant's arms, and the Oni betrayer felt his powers instantly return to him.
"Finally!" Gargant yelled, opening up his hand, which summoned forth a burst of light, followed by the handle of a sword appearing from his palm! With a quick pull, Gargant recalled his hook-bladed weapon, Garblade, from its place within him, swinging it left and right to acquaint himself with his blade once more. He then took up his fighting stance, beckoning the recovering Reach warriors nearby with his other hand. "Shall we, fools?"
Over at one of the smaller vessels, three Reach warriors were firing their arm cannons behind them as they raced toward a closing bulkhead. The sudden appearance of the massive, demonic-looking warrior in their armory, and the subsequent deactivation of all the ship's inner defenses, had given them no time to repel the boarder.
His great strength, and the massive blade he carried, allowed him to stand fast against even the most well armed Reach operatives. Any wounds he suffered seemed to quickly heal back to normal, and the energies he seemed to summon from the very air around him was able to cut through some of the most durable metals on the cruiser. The Reach operatives sent to oppose him stood no chance.
Suddenly, one of the Reach soldier's sensors locked onto a target, moving in their direction at a steady pace. "It's here! SAFETIES OFF! OPEN FIRE!"
A huge energy barrage blazed out from all three Reach, flying down the hallway and striking their target with precision, only for them to see their shots being deflected away by the massive blade of their demonic opponent! Its eyes were aglow with emerald light, and then, the three Reach operatives were suddenly torn apart by deadly blows from that same arcane blade!
Surveying his surroundings, Marcellus hefted up his blade onto his shoulder, looking over his handiwork. ('I've missed fighting for our cause for so long.') He mused to himself as he took hold of the still-closing bulkhead door, and heaved it aside like it was nothing more than cardboard! Continuing forward, Marcellus reached a nearby lift, still open and unattended.
Looking at it with his enhanced senses, he could feel the energies of the infiltration magics within, awaiting his input. Touching his temple, Marcellus telepathically informed Gargant and Gogandantess of his progress. ('I have secured the engine room and the armory here. Proceeding to the bridge to secure the ship's navigational drives with the next few moments.') He thought out to his allies. Gogandantess replied a moment later.
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('Well done, old boy.') The Genma swordsman joked. ('I'm quite glad that you haven't lost a single step, even after all this time.')
('Hilarious, Goga.') Marcellus returned, making use of his own nickname for the proud former Genma. ('Is Gargant behaving himself?') A smashing sound across the senses of Gogandantess greeted Marcellus' inquiry.
('He's really putting some serious effort into the battle here.') Gogandantess thought back, his eyes following the Oni traitor as he continually tore through Reach operatives left and right, either by the sheer power of his blows and his sword tearing through their armor, or by the waves of arcane force that sheared through their ranks.
('How long until you secure the bridge there?') Marcellus queried.
('Ten to fifteen minutes, give or take, with the way Gargant's going.') Goga replied. ('And the other vessel?')
('Our infiltration magics spread out in a very large area; it shut down their ship's defenses and their drives just like these two.') Marcellus thought back.
('It also remotely shut down all their armor protocols. They are basically in stasis, so that our people can understand their technology before we make use of it.') The Oni General mentally replied.
('Good... wow, that's going to leave a bruise.') Goga replied, his eyes showing Marcellus a view of Gargant impaling the last Reach warrior before, his entire body covered with synthetic fluids and flecks of torn organic flesh. ('Call you back when we reach the bridge, big fella.')
Marcellus nodded to himself as their telepathic conversation ended. He then touched the panel near the lift, and it slid open to admit him.
"Destination?" The panel sounded.
"Bridge." Marcellus intoned. The lift quickly sealed, and began rising, giving the Oni warrior time to collect his thoughts, and marshall his strength. Moments later, the lift stopped, and the doors slowly split open to show the bridge crew, all aiming their weapons at Marcellus as he emerged.
"Surrender, or die!" The Reach leader on board yelled, only for Marcellus to heft his blade before him.
"Oni do not surrender." He replied, using his innate Oni energies to speak in tones that the aliens would understand. "We overcome... any and all obstacles. Prepare to meet your makers."
With that, Marcellus charged into the bridge, and the crew opened fire.
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Once more within the hidden dark room...
The purple spiritual energies of the Oni Council came into view once more within their ancient meeting place. As soon as all of them were present, the first voice among them spoke up.
("The mission set before our three warriors has succeeded.") The Council hummed with pride and relief.
("Show us.") The white sphere appeared before them, showing the time-space distortion pulled open by Oni magics, and the space drives of the three commandeered Reach ships, that allowed them all to return to the selected space and time chosen to allow the Oni time to understand the alien technology, and make use of it for the eventual return of the Black Oni.
("Excellent.") The second voice among them spoke. ("And the remaining aliens?")
("Dispatched, or placed into stasis for the forseeable future.") The first one stated, viewing the return of the three Oni warriors to their place among them, while members of the Oni science and intelligence sects journeyed to the captured vessels, and began their work on the alien ships. Marcellus, Gargant, and Gogandantess all kneeled before the Council, each of them in varying degrees of damage that was already healing.
("You three have done well, and have done the Oni race proud in making sure that the return of the Black Oni is prepared for.") The third voice among the Council sounded out to the trio. ("For your efforts, you all will be allowed to meet the Black Oni when he returns, and shall aid in his training and growth.")
"You honor us by your choice, noble Oni. I accept." Marcellus boomed.
"I will take great pleasure in teaching the young one how to truly be as great a swordsman as me. I also accept." The Council 'chuckled' at Goga's response.
("Gargant.") The Council boomed at the Oni traitor. ("You followed your oath, as was once again given to you when you returned from the void. Tell us: if given the chance, even knowing that either Marcellus or Gogandantess would surely strike you down once more, would you attempt to murder the Black Oni before he claimed his birthright?")
The Oni traitor kept his gaze low, his breathing normal. He knew right then and there that the Council was debating his future. He could begin anew in service to the Oni, with a strong and watchful presence, or he could return to the void, to never wield his sword or his powers in battle ever again. If the Council was to give him that very chance, he needed to be honest with them.
"The thought crossed my mind,... honored Council..." Gargant stated, then lifted up and looked at his bound wrists once more. "... but, unless I wish to never wield my blade or my powers in battle again, I must discard that forever. My decision to serve the Genma Lord was my choice, and that time is now over." Bowing down, placing his hands and his forehead to the ground, Gargant spoke again.
"On my blood as an Oni warrior, I will seek to prove my worth once more to the Oni Council, and I ask forgiveness for my actions against its will. I will accept whomever you choose to watch over me, and whomever you select to command me. This, I vow, and thus, I also accept your wish that I aid in training the Black Oni." Gargant's words echoed in the room, and they were quickly answered.
("So be it.") The first voice sounded out. ("This 'Trinity' of our own shall continue on, both as messengers of our will, and as the watchers of the Black Oni.") The Council looked on as the first voice finished its speech.
("Seek your rest, our Trinity. When the time is right, you will called upon for further tasks that will need to be completed.") The trio nodded, vanishing moments later as the Council finished its deliberations.
("So has the die been cast. So will we prepare for the Black Oni's return.") The Council spoke in unison, and then, vanished from sight once more.
End Prologue
Wow, how's that for a first chapter? Amazed? Me, too! Well, the stage has been set, and come the next chapter, we shall find out where the next Black Oni will appear, as well as the name he will be called in life. Wish me luck!
Comments and thoughts, welcome!