The Warrior's Dove: Part 1 End
#27 of The Warrior's Dove.
Chapter 24 End of Part I(Wait... You're STILL writing this crap x.x) So this means that there is MORE??? and it also means an intermission (Or i forget entirely.) So now I focus solely on commissions (Thanks for all the IRL work I've been swamped with and partially the fact that I may be a twit x.x) I will focus only on them! Yet there is one more thing this means...
Public Vote! I can: a) Start Rewriting all of Part I Accordingly after the intermission or b) Stop screwing with the writing style and start Part II (Hence everything rewritten at the end of all the parts) Or I guess the THIRD option: c) Fuck the project, it sucks that much x.x So again Public Vote (Less voting is uncool like that) So yeah! Go for it!
The Warrior's Dove Part 1 End: Parting Tales.
"So you don't know where the sword came from." Kieai's was insisting that Hato had known something about it "No." He replied. Eyes looked off to the horizon Karisif seemed out of it yet Hato couldn't blame him, he could only watch the young fox start to seem far away. Every step Hato took, it almost seemed Karisif took three or four. I can't blame him for being sad. Hato felt his own heart churn; it engulfed him in a bitter rage. That person, he killed Livrythi right in front of him. Hato kept walking his paw felt the frayed ends of the katana. The name rang through Hato's head; Kinoei he had never heard of such a name. What is his business with me? "Karisif." Kieai had spoken out. "Please don't go too far ahead." The young fox slowly came back he was silent for most of the time. Hato took a single step forward before it felt like something hit him. Grasping for air he landed on his knees panting "Hato!" for a moment he believed it was Serviath who called his name, yet hardly before he had that chance; Karisif had already cried it out. Coughing up blood his eyes widened, something tried to drag him to the ground - in the ground - It was then the world flashed before all of them. A hellhound - one different from the burned and mutilated creature from before - held Hato from the neck a deathly grasp with its teeth burrowed deep within his throat. They all saw it, the bright gold light that hit them and let them see all of it. That chain, does it respond only to the dead? Blue flames scattered out from the animal Hato finally had enough. Grasping the small handle of his sword he forced it to par with the animal biting into him, got it underneath and drove his blade within the chest of the hound. It didn't let go - of course it wouldn't, it was dead and they couldn't feel pain. It simply tightened its grip and violently ripped its muzzle down. Hato almost fell to his knee; that's when he noticed that Serviath struck his small claymore to the hound. Wide eyes watched as the sword fissured through the hounds flesh as if through some apparition. _Only the dead can touch the dead fools._That voice echoed through his head it, sounded far away like from the treeline behind them. From the forest arrived his saviour... that third eye, Hato realized that it wasn't some vision; they were connected. Shadow's darted from the trees a blur of blood and claw narrowly missed his own throat. This creature shattered eyes that stole away his own - a demon that came to his rescue "What are you doing!?" A sharp shimmering voice rang like church-bells in the morning light; by the wind trees suddenly bellowed from the rich smoky winds of flame and engulfed them all. A sharp sting - a claw shredded him open. Glimmering in the light was nothing more but a blood-stained necklace made from solid gold and silver. A fatal blow... Or was it? Shaking a finger lined across the small slit that went from neck to shoulder, a scar that had healed in a few minor seconds "Akuma!" The trilling voice was hoarse, screaming over the churning smoke of ash and storm. It was a slight pause that let both Hato and Akuma look eye to eye "I told you." A husky voice echoed. "I told you to grasp your light." Hato was on the floor, looking up to the chest of the demon. The chain was caught, bound around its bloody - furred neck. "You should see things through now." He repeated the last few words a small cackle came shortly after ending with a small sing-song like voice. "You were turning insane..." Slowly the winds calmed down around them and both shadows were gone shortly there-after.
This small fear surged through though and suddenly Hato felt his legs. They were dead tired. He shivered and knew he was freezing cold. Soon a voice came to him repeating his name again and again, and he knew for certain whom it was. Grasping a hand Hato tried pulling himself up to his feet "Are you okay?" That sound gently brushed his ear, it made him feel peaceful. He could feel! Feel the pain, the sadness for Karisif, the rage of everything that happened. Stumbling Hato's legs buckled before him "My feet are dead..." His voice chimed in his head, a young sound. A younger voice that matched Hato to his own memories, the sound he grew up with was back. A small stream told curious stories about the sky and he looked into it, a tired-ridden reflection looked back to him. His shoulders were broad, but hardly like before. His body held no definition and his hair... it wasn't at a decent length but instead appeared past his muzzle in a long un-cut and shaggy look. In short he looked horribly stressed and tired. A set of paws grasped at his own, Serviath helped him up, bringing Hato to stand on wobbling feet "Are you okay?" 'Serviath's voice... So strong and honest...' He was blushing, Hato anyways "I- I'm just tired... I guess." Nervousness shook his voice and tone, Hato was embarrassed to need help and at his age too. Slowly a sound perked his small ears "Hato? What happened?" Karisif soundly spoke. A small look in reply told Karisif that he was indeed fine "Whatever happened... its gone now?" He seemed uneasy but over-confident. "Everything is fine now." He swallowed hard. At least I hope so...
Each and every step was more and more tiresome. Everything felt weak now but he was relieved that his mind was finally clear. Small memories stabbed at his throbbing head and forced visions he slowly forgot to remember, like a dream that was brushed away and was understood as being unimportant. It wasn't long before the soft sounds of voices came from the distance. With the sight of a wooden arc, a roof - no many of them - Hato felt small warmth in his heart "What the hell?" Serviath was eying his map again, than stared back at the small town quickly pressing towards them "What?" Kieai asked hidden behind Hato's green and gold hood that wrinkled over her. Shortly it all was understood, this town was not on the map even though they were walking down a major trade route. Walking by was a traveler who took an eye to them "I know, I've used this route for years and there's never been a town. It's a nice place though with good people too." Convinced Hato walked forward before being stopped by Serviath. A muzzle pressed deep against his ear with a burning face he simply listen to the soft scolding words he gave "You're too damn trusting!" It was more like a bark than a word of advice. Forcefully Hato was drawn in closer to hear sharp whispering. "We were just attacked hardly a few hours before... What the hell? You never acted like this before!" Before? Was Fylakas's chain really that powerful? When Hato really thought back, he was always like this. Either looking for a good friend or quick to help out or trust another. When he thought about the visions however, he didn't remember much of them at all! Only one small thing stuck... Night, a small town and... an inn, or maybe some small pub and blood, it was over the wooden walls... as if a hand was drawn from further in the alleyway. He was walking looking around, trying to hear voices as if thrown into a drunken daze. Moonlight shimmered and the night winds coldly battered the trees above him and whisked away warmth and life throughout the night "Excuse me." Hato shook off his daydream, realizing that he was in a small warm inn. Quaint really, the fire burned softly hardly crackling or sparking up few tables was set up and there wasn't even a second floor! The beds were further in and around the back. Behind the bar-counter was a cat, she was white and black speckled and gave Hato a small smile when a drink of water was passed to him. _I have to stop zoning out like that..._He thanked her and greedily drew the water back "You lot are the fifth group of travelers who say they have never been here today! I swear we aren't well hidden or anything. We love having people pass by from time to time!"
"You've had others pass by, from which direction? If you don't mind me asking..." Serviath asked the question formally being courteous as he generally was towards women "Same direction as you, I reckon that they came from the town further down the mountain." Kieai and Karisif were both sitting at a table behind them she spent the last of her money buying food for him and was slowly cheering him up. A small warm smile came to Hato as he looked back until a tapping on his shoulder made him turn to Serviath who decided to chug back his drink. "Oh!" Like that wasn't very embarrassing..."By any chance did any of them stay here for a while?" "You lot looking for someone?" She gave a glare to Hato "Uh yes we got separated from our larger group when the blizzard came in." "Little odd to be walking in a snowstorm with only pants on." That shut him up he forgot that he didn't have a shirt! Footsteps came from the back rooms shortly after the conversation died down "Bloody hell." Serviath looked to the voice first. "Aaron!?" Standing he gave a strict eye. "Is there anyone else with you?" "Eh just the slave, Lithray, and Jesive" Sure as hell doesn't seem like he actually enjoys Kiyoko's company. Hato was a little upset from that but after staring at his healing scars he couldn't hold his anger for long. Did I really cause that?"Hey Hato." Kiyoko threw a small satchel to him. "Watch over it, after all it had all your money in it." Speechless he simply opened the satchel shortly after. "Don't worry; I only needed to use a few gold pieces for the room." That really wasn't what Hato was really worried about. He pulled out the silver flask he had used for the Kreotur's blood, held it up to his ear and lightly shook the flask. There was liquid! A soft swoosh came back and forth through the flask. "Or I guess you can worry about liquor..." Kiyoko gloomily spoke and walked over to Kieai's table, she seemed happy to see her again.
Out of the small reunion came a set of uniform barks from outside, none other than the two dogs Hato met from before were pawing at the doorway. "Hey, hey!" The bartender called out. "Come on, no dogs in here please!" If it wasn't for Serviath, Jesive, Hato, and Aaron staring at her, she probably never would've blushed red and sunk her head down. "S - Sorry about that." It was shortly after the Inn became a little livelier it was the Shikoku and German Shepherd that led more people here, and before anyone knew, most of the group was back together. "What about the rest?" Serviath was the first to ask two familiar faces, an otter and his friend "They turned off at Alexichia pass, they were planning on traveling to Curia." "The borders are closed thanks to Hovishira." "They didn't want to listen to that fact." Serviath looked down with a strict scolding look. "Trust me friend, they'll be fine. Lively folk they are and they sure are willing to fight too." Hato was sitting next to the bartender and put some gold on the counter "A whiskey, if you may." She was quick to take the gold "Straight -Up?" He chuckled before replying "Please." After; Hato found himself laughing and having a great time though it was in the beginning that everyone was worrying about being around him, but after a few bought drinks things changed quickly. Suddenly clapping hit the air; he could recognize the sound so clearly. A lute when did he realize that the notes came to him so easily? Hato took note about the tune, most importantly that it was out_of tune "Jeaz." Kiyoko scared the shit out of him, enough that he almost fell off the stool. She could only laugh at him (what else was new about that?) but it wasn't harsh, just a cute giggling that made her nose cringe softly and her face light up. "You should play! Rather than that guy..." She pointed to the man who was being softly scolded by his companions "What!?" Hato almost yelped out. "I can't play that thing!?" It sounded more like a question... "You're kidding right? You've always been playing one of those things, ever since we were kids." Faint memories (Here we go again...) the soft tone played in Hato's ears, a song he couldn't forget. A lullaby he swore he'd heard all his life but hardly heard at all. It was during his drink Kiyoko _forced_him to she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him off of the stool "Kiy!" It's not like she cared much about his whining she instead pushed Hato to the large figure playing the lute "If you don't mind." Kiyoko began it wasn't long before she got his attention. "Could you let my friend here have a try?" Under the silence broken by scattered voices and joking tones, Hato softly felt the feathery strings that he rested his fingers upon. _Softly, strum against it... He gulped. I'm going to make a fool of myself... With a dry throat; he cleared it and whispered to Kiyoko if he could have his drink. She passed it to him and he quickly inhaled it down. Alright "Well come on then, let's hear you play." Hato's fingers gently caressed the feathery strings and slowly his tail nervously thrashed about. Hato took a moment to study the instrument; it was in relatively good shape for a group of travellers, not that he couldn't stop himself from noting the frayed ends of some strings and the few indents that needed to be sanded and fixed. A single breath in and his fingers hummed the Lute, it gently played out a tune. Soft, an airy quaint sound brushed within the walls of the Inn just loud enough that it silenced the world around him. A gentle song began to play with few fair strings at first, Soft and loving. With the soft intro came a tender sway of mountain wind breezing through and through. Suddenly eyes closed in around him, as he closed his own and listened; listened to the soft gentle tune of his forgotten childhood. All around him his life drew in throughout a tender wheat field blowing a soft breeze upon a gently clouding sky. Blue, like the river nearby and quiet enough to hear the winds whisk of the mountain tops. All around were the snow-capped giants swaying the clouds around to make soft fun shapes that made yarn with the snow that blew off. A shadow flittered above him and a soft gentle face brightly beamed to the sight of a Collie. His eyes a deep golden and on his shoulder was a small peculiar figure, someone so very familiar to him. A pitch black bat stretched her wings out and yawned; her eyes still a colourful sapphire, regardless of how old she really was. She still kept a face that held the character of her youth even though Hato knew she had seen her for over six years. "Now I haven't seen you for the past year." Her voice was tender. "There's someone very special I wanted you to meet." Hato watched as his father held a hand out to him, he quickly held on with a smile "Alright Auntie!" A gentle voice came to him, he remembered his mother so clearly. The two voices spoke to him about their lives. It was only one thing that really made him perk up. Deep within the tops of Crescent is said to be the highest point in the world. Much along the way lives these bats. You're Auntie is a real close friend of mine, we used to travel together and she always helped me out in a pinch. After-all bats can see so clearly in the night and are always happy to help out travellers. Hato remembered being cradled by his mother, held in her arms even at the age of six. His gold-amber eyes looked hard into the fire watching their stories spring to life with every crackle; he swore he saw them again and again! On some nights thunder-shocks would bounce around, Hato remembered that fear; he always got "The Shakes" (As his mother called it) whenever one was happening. He was always shivering when they came around. It was a night like that he finally remembered, he remembered the boy. Unlike before where it cut off - him running towards the shadow in a stormy night- he looked at the timber-wolf. A young pup but still older than him, scared and crying all alone; Hato put a hand on his shoulder "It's okay! It's just a little thunder!" His entire paw was shaking as if he was freezing cold "It's not that!" The young wolf sniffled out. "I lost my dad! I can't find him at all!" "What happened?" Hato innocently chimed "I - It all just came apart! My mom is..." The boy began sobbing all over again. A voice called out, his mother's. The name; that name that got his father's attention made Hato drop the lute. Everyone suddenly stared. He realized he was shaking all over with the sudden clap that cracked out from the sky "Hato?" Kiyoko was standing now, she seemed genuinely concerned "I'm sorry everyone..." Hato looked to the otter who was still talking with his wolf friend. "Can I speak with you privately?" The otter shrugged and followed Hato to the back room where he almost slammed the otter to the wall. "What kind of sick game are you playing with me?" "Last I checked I was just enjoying a drink..." The otter nervously chuckled "That story you and your friend told me, what happened to the hero?" Hato demanded "Oh! Shilan the Brave!" Shilan... could it be a coincidence? "I have no clue, no-one does... But if you really want to know, it was said that within the tomb of the olden kings you can find... Scriptures! After-all people did say that Shilan used to serve as a private royal-guard for the Emperor of Curia." My father did disappear from time to time. "Where is this tomb?" The otter began laughing "The Tomb of the Olden Kings can only be accessed by an Emperor of Curia! It is not a place... but a state of mind!" Hato left a little upset and began to think to himself "Kieai." She perked up and looked at him. "Can I have my father's tunic back please?" He noticed her blush "I... don't have any other clothes... I left them back at the castle..." Hato pulled out his satchel and counted out much of his gold "Five hundred pieces should be enough for proper armor correct?" Serviath suddenly cut in "What in the hell are you doing?" He sighed finally, remembering their first chat. Of course I have the gold to hire you! Just please, please! I have to find her! "I am leaving... for Curia. I need to finish something." "Curia!? Well what about my payment?" "Can I have my sword too Kieai?" Hato handed over his satchel, the entire satchel except for the Hovishirian coins. "That satchel, the rest of my gold and navigational equipment should be more than enough payment." "I..." Serviath went quiet he then shrugged and waved to him. "Well that fixes that then. You can leave whenever. After-all this body-guard still needs to find a runaway lord..." "Curia!?" Kiyoko barked out. "Are you kidding me?" "I don't expect you to follow me Kiyoko. Find Joseph for me... and tell him I'm sorry, for everything." A few moments later, Kieai came back, wearing Hato's black - plain robe "Sorry, like I said I had no clothes and I'm not walking to a store naked!" Hato chuckled "The robes are a nice fit, why don't you keep them?" Hato quickly got changed in the back room. "I doubt many of you will miss me..." Hato chuckled to himself before having something tossed to him. The lute "You can have that, I can't play the thing anyways..." Everyone began laughing comments like "You just learned that?" came out. It's nice to see a lively bunch...but the only reason why I really stayed was to find Kiyoko... and learn as much as I could from Livrythi about my visions. Hato remembered everything so clearly now. He remembered the boy, well up to the boy and his own father's name. The rest was just the mid-summers day that he'd spend with his new older brother. Hato kept thinking, looking up to the starry - night sky and realized that he couldn't remember his brother's name. A paw hit Hato's shoulder. A tiger stood in front of him - Lithray "I need to travel to Gyriva, the main road to Curia and Gyriva meet much further down the mountain. I'll accompany you for a while." Hato gave a friendly smile "Thank you." He felt inside his tunic, he still had his father's map with him. Hato felt his companion-sword; the Katana he had been gone though. He hardly thought of it, but it was gone even before they walked into the inn. He was about to leave "Hato!" Kiyoko came right behind him he turned only to have her lips meet his. A thick blush formed across his face. "It's just a good-bye kiss I gave you one when we left you in London years before. You know how common it is in our community." Yeah but generally it was the elders kissing the young, not two younger ones kissing... He chuckled "You caught me by surprise sis." Hato whispered and nodded his head. "Alright... bye everyone!" He waved to them and walked out into the night; Hato looked to the skies, deep into the clouds and he swore he could see a small black figure high in the starry-night.