Years ago, in the mountains…
There was a rumor that a great treasure resided that would give wealth and power to any who would dare pursue it.
Gōzaburō Seto and the young hair of the Edomae gang, ever-competing teenagers, sought out the treasure despite the warnings of their fathers… for in those lands reigned the feared Beast Folk the Black Zheng. The Legend of Mountain Kings were ones feared by the merfolk and respected by the Beast folk, for they were the closest species of Beast Folk to the dragons. Yes, the Kirin, the Nue, the Huan, the Kitsune, the Jufu, the Gudiao, and the Zheng. These kings ruled nature and the earth itself with an iron fist and terrorized merfolk and humans alike.
But these boys' arrogance caused them to follow their avarice for the great treasure, for it could lead to the fabled land, El Dorado, the Beast Folk's sacred kingdom of gold. Surely abandoned for they have never have they ever seen one.
"Who ever heard of creatures that could turn into merfolk hunting animals? That's just a stupid story." The teenage Gōzaburō scoffed while his rival was just behind him.
"Perhaps it is to prevent the unwise and worthy from completing their mission of the treasure." The young Edomae in a monotone voice suggests, "They fail in their prime directive while I shall not."
"In your dreams! If anyone is getting to the treasure, it's going to be me!"
"Negative, it shall be me."
They both then began to race to climb up the mountain in search of the treasure. They kept climbing and climbing up the mountain until they were about to reach the mouth of the cave. There was an old sign just outside, waiting for anyone who made it to the top.
'Beware all who dare enter this cave, for the Kings of the Mountains are always watching.'
"Please, like that's going to stop me!"
"Superstitious nonsense."
The boys then ran inside the cave. Oh, if only they had listened to the warnings, and heeded the sign, maybe things wouldn't have taken such an ugly turn. They traveled deeper and deeper into the cave, where light is shunned and only the darkness reigns. For most, even the pressure presented by the cavern of the cave was enough to send anyone away. But two foolish boys continued and from within, their prize it is seen at the end.
"There it is! The treasure of El Dorado!"
"The mission shall be completed."
But soon, the boys would soon regret their choice tome, for they were not alone.
"It is a quest you wish you never partook." A purring voice threatened as torches were suddenly lit!
Standing before them was the feared and infamous Black Zheng, guarding the treasure!
Present day in a limo…
"Oh, it feels like a lifetime ago. Those two would never forget me, not after I left my mark, and it would seem their arrogance has them trying again." A woman hummed while looking at the photo of her nephew when he was younger, "Nagasumi, I knew you would have the genes, unlike my disgrace of a half-brother and his harlot wife. Such a waste of genes… Oh well, you were born, and it took some time to kick in the right stuff. Better a late bloomer than never."
"The boy will make an impressive heir." The driver commented with delight.
"He will, my spawn are too pampered, too full of themselves. That won't do. I need a strong heir, one resourceful, one that can think." She agreed then looked out the window, "We are almost there. I wonder if they can feel my presence right now."
"Probably would, Fair Lady Michishio Hanabira."
At the Michishio household…
Gōzaburō Seto and Lunar's Papa felt like they were being choked, that something was crushing them.
"Dad, are you okay?" Sun asked while she sat with Nagasumi.
"She's coming…" Gōzaburō gulped as he knew that presence anywhere.
"Oh, you can sense her already, Seto, and you too Edomae. She seems both pleased and agitated." One of the Beastfolk mocked.
"You better have an excuse for treading on her territory." Dr. Baneswell chuckled while he remembered clearly well what happened last time, she was angry, "Also to see her darling nephew finally reach age. Oh well, better a late bloomer than never."
"Um excuse me, but who are you all talking about?" Sun wondered while they gave her a menacing glare.
"Our leader and one of the Mountain Kings of the Beastfolk, Michishio Hanabira. She's coming for to receive retribution for your insolence and to visit her nephew again." One of the Beastfolk coldly informed.
"Don't talk to my daughter like that again or-!" Gōzaburō began but then was met with a venomous look.
"Or what?"
Gōzaburō and his gang backed off for a bit from the gleam in his eyes, then he began to chuckle.
"Oh, we scare you? But you should really be afraid of her when she comes."
"Hold on, that doesn't sound like my aunt. She's a kind and caring woman… with a great dislike for my parents." Nagasumi admitted, while his parents showed dread of her arrival.
"Well, she loves you. That's why you have always been given her attention and kindness." Dr. Baneswell informed the boy, "The two merfolk gangs on the other hand… not so much. Especially after what these two fools tried last time."
"Last time?" Lunar questioned while the creatures she feared laughed causing her and the merfolk to shrink a bit.
"They tried to steal from us a long time ago and Lady Hanabira punished them."
"The metal man there hides his scars while, it's hard to hide a face scar, right Gōzaburō?" He reminded while Lunar and Sun gasped.
"Wait, Nagasumi's Aunt did that?" Sun gasped at her father's scar.
Gōzaburō was hesitant.
"Indeed, she could've killed them outright, but she sent them back with scars, as a reminder to all Merfolk of what happens when you enter our territory."
Nagasumi couldn't believe it. His aunt always seemed so pacified and sweet. This didn't seem like the type of stuff she would do-.
Then came a ringing at the door.
"She's here."
The merfolk then fled into the kitchen part of the house.
"The Black Zheng!" Maki whimpered.
"Aunt Hanabira? She's here?" Nagasumi speaks with excitement since it has been so long since he's seen his aunt.
"I better open the door for her…" Nagasumi's father moaned as he really hated the visits with his half-sister.
"No need. I should be the one to do it." One of the Beast Folk politely informed as he walked to the door.
The Seto Gang and Edomae Gang were trembling at the thought of who was coming in. Even Ren showed caution about who was coming. The door opened, and the pressure intensified, though Nagasumi and his family couldn't feel it. Steps were heard, one by one.
Then… she was here.
The feared and respected Michishio Hanabira.
"Our Lady." The Beast Folk bowed but she said nothing as she was coming towards Nagasumi, Sun, and Launar.
Sun and Lunar felt like they were going to be eaten alive and were forced to move away, leaving Nagasumi and Hanabira to face one another. They both seemed still as no one knew what was going to happen.
Then Nagasumi received… a hug.
"My sweet little nephew, how have you faired?" She smiled while kissing him on the forehead.
"Aunt Hanabira~! I've missed you so much." Nagasumi grinned as she hugged the woman back.
"I know, I know, I should have visited more but I got so caught up at work~! I hope you love the presents I've sent you." She sweetly informed the child.
"I have and they're awesome~."
"Ah, Sweet Nagasumi~."
"Um… Nice for you to visit, Sis." Nagasumi's father voiced as the woman turned her head to her brother.
"Ah, Daisuke… you're more decrepit than I remember." She insulted her brother with disappointment before turning to her sister-in-law, "And Ai… You're around… still the waste of space that I remember."
"I'm not decrepit!" Nagasumi's father whined.
"You-! I remember how much I don't like you now!" Nagasumi's Mother growled at her, but she didn't seem phased.
"Oh really? Well, I just remembered I don't care." She laughed then turned back to her nephew, "I am so pleased that you have finally reached age. I knew you were a late bloomer. Finally, another Black Zheng in the family~. I just wish your grampa was here to see the day~."
The merfolk were stunned to see such a feared Beast Folk acting like a goofy, sassy aunt.
"Huh. Maybe, she's not the feared Mountain King." Maki spoke out loud.
Her mistake.
"Watch your tongue, Whelp. Before I decide to pop your head off and feast on your insides like a crawdad."
Maki and the others yelped in fear while returning to their corner.
She then let go of her nephew and turned to the gangs in the house.
"While we are on the subject, why not we have a little chat? I think it has been long overdue."