Valley of Flaming Ice
#14 of Orion and the Fox
To those that have waited patiently for Chapter 14 here it is. Enjoy
I took a few minutes to process everything that just happened to me a moment ago. While I washed up, rinsed and finally dried off something still bothered me about her visit. Something about this whole situation seemed way too easy for my liking and that's a problem. I'll be the first to admit there was plenty of honesty and wisdom behind her words. The question is why and to what possible end is she hoping to achieve.
Well it wasn't going to do me any good to stand in here naked wondering. With that I put on some fresh clothes then I calmly walked back into the bedroom. Now keeping something from three lovely and hyper curious women is literally impossible. "Orion, is there something you wish to share with the three of us?" Kyuri asked. As I looked up then over at the trio of inquiring eyes and chose my words very carefully.
"Neither of you would believe me even if I told you what truly happened." I replied. Though Kyuri had some idea of what happened to me inside the bathroom. Both Renka and Nubai looked at me questioningly due to the fact I was holding back. Naturally Renka wasn't going to let me off the hook that easily and called me out. Of course she was more than happy to express her displeasure with me afterwards.
"My, love, I do believe there's more to this situation than you are letting us think. Now, I can't force the answers out of you, Orion and I won't but, please don't lie." She stated honestly. Taking the wisest course of action I told them what truly happened. The second I finished speaking, it landed me in such trouble with them anyway. All three vixens turned me every which way but, loose and with zero hope in sight.
By the time they finished with me, I ended up sleeping comfortably on the floor. While all three vixens enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the large king sized bed. The rest of the night went by slowly but, peacefully until the early morning sun rose. As the first warm reddish beams of light lit up the room it roused me from my slumber. Rising slowly to my feet then quickly stretching the stiffness out from my body.
Before entering the bathroom to wash my face then got dressed and exited the bedroom. From there I went outside to the courtyard where I began some warm up excerises. Though I wasn't alone for very long when Jecht came outside and asked to join me. Considering that I'm still in quite a bit of trouble with my future wives currently. Naturally having a neutral party to train with was better than the alternative.
Unfortunately our training session wouldn't last for too much longer as I heard footsteps. Followed by a rather happy and broadly smiling Jaxal, of course Jecht couldn't help himself. "Well, ain't this an interesting twist of events looks like somebody got lucky." Jecht teased. Almost as if on cue Jaxal shot him a rotten look but, didn't add anything. While Jaxal walked away from us Jecht and I resumed our sparring session.
Jecht's combat style was very close quarters yet it didn't lack balance or structure. It made me wonder about the various martial arts the other guardians used. Perhaps I should ask them if they'd spar with me, it might prove useful in the future. Though the only speed bump I faced is actually convincing them to help with my training. Of course I could have Nubai order them to take the time to assist me with it.
While we continued I noticed Opal and Sift exiting the castle then stopped. "Excuse me, Opal, Sift could I have a few moments of your time please?" I asked. Both kitsune stopped mid-step then looked at each other briefly before walking over. Jecht watched carefully wondering just what in the world I was up to this time around. "Yes, Orion is there something we can do for you?" Opal wondered in return.
Naturally I asked them politely if they'd be interesting in training with me. "Hmm, Orion you're already a very skilled warrior of the highest caliber so why ask for help?" Sift questioned. Of course I explained my reasons behind my request, which they understood. "Since, you put it in that respect I don't see any harm in training with you. Though I can't speak for Opal, Exel or the other guardians but, I'm in." She smiled.
"Since, Sift's in I might as well jump in also, who knows this might be a lot of fun." Opal replied. Jecht and I resumed our sparring, while Opal and Sift took a moment to prepare. When they joined Jecht and I, all three guardians teamed up and resumed my training. The eldest of the seven guardians Exel was the next kitsune to appear. As he looked around only to see me and three of his fellow guardians training.
He calmly walked past us then met up with Jaxal and the two vanished from sight. Though something else pinged across my senses seconds after those two departed. Within mere seconds the two figures launched themselves at me with blinding speed. Barely giving me anytime to react accordingly as their blows hit their mark. Sending me reeling back several yards and dropping me down to one knee.
Sadly it was only a sign of things to come as both robed figures resumed their assault. Luckily I was able to get my footing and defend myself this time around. Kicking one of them away while using my elbow to strike the other down to the ground. Both robed kitsunes were very quick to recover and attacked again without remorse. It had gone from a mild sparring session to an all out onslaught of bloody fury.
The brawl only grew more intense as the time passed by until Jecht came out of nowhere. Stopping all of us before things got way too out of hand and somebody got hurt. "Alright, that's enough I let you two join in figuring, Orion could use the added twist. Why don't you two leave, training is done for today, understand?" Jecht remarked. They eyed Jecht for a second then the robed pair vanished instantly.
As the day ticked by Kyuri, Renka, Nubai and myself packed our belongings. The following morning we set off towards the Snowing Bark Cedar village. About three quarters of the way there, a flash back from the night before returned. Renka was the first to notice that I was no longer with them and back tracked to find me. "Orion, is everything alright, wait what's with that look, just what are you planning?" She asked.
"Go on ahead I've got something far more important to take care of first, Okay. I'll meet all of you at Mickale's place once I've taken care of this matter I promise." I stated. Renka could clearly see that this was something that required me to go alone. The rest of our little group showed up a short time later, allowing me to say a quick goodbye. Only taking what I absolutely needed then I sped off down the cliff side.
When I reached the road below mom shouted for me to be careful and good luck. Saluting her with two fingers, I took off at full speed leaving behind small whisp of snow. While they continued on their way towards the village my destination was very long distance away. The problem I faced the Hydra Mountain Range was roughly a two week journey. Sadly all the knowledge I inherited would be of very little use to me.
Granted I was able to find a few maps inside the vast library at the Tribunal. Lady Ivory was nice enough to magically create a duplicate of the original maps for me. As I traveled at full speed across many miles without warning I sensed that I wasn't alone. Cautiously slowing my pace down some then finding a good hiding spot. The last thing I did was completely suppress my unique energy signal from prying senses.
After waiting patiently sure enough whoever was following me appeared below. Pulling my mother's old hunting knife from its pouch, I jumped my two shadows. Silently dropping down behind one of them, hooking my arm around their neck. With my other hand pressed the tip of the knife against their lower back. "You've got one chance to explain why both of you are following me or ELSE!" I stated.
"Please, Orion we were only following Nubai's orders to shadow and if necessary protect you. Besides the land you're journeying to just so happens to be our native turf. Nubai also figured you'd benefit from our extensive knowledge of the terrain." The left kitsune informed. Honestly I wasn't all that surprised she'd do something like this. Perhaps their intel might prove valuable until we reach the mountains.
"Alright, you two can tag along until we reach the Hydra Mountain Range. Once there you two head back, I need to travel the rest of the way alone, understand." I replied. The two kitsune didn't see any problems with it and asked if there was anything else. "Yeah, I do hope I'm not asking for too much when I ask this of you both. Could you two stay in sight and keep those hoods from covering your faces." I wondered.
The two hooded warriors looked at each other for a moment then looked back at me. I could sense their hesitation as they reached up then pulled the hood on their robes back. Revealing their faces to me only to leave me shocked and stunned at what I saw next. Standing before me was a pair of platinum furred fraternal twin kitsune. Though it was their eyes that stood out more besides their shimmering platinum silver fur.
"Do forgive me I really don't mean to stare but, I wasn't prepared for such a sight." I stated. One thing did seem a tad bit strange the male kitsune hair was waist long. While his sister's hair barely reached her shoulders but, with that settled we resumed our journey. Of course I would've asked for their names, at this time it wasn't a good idea. Seeing as I've probably asked a great deal of them already so I let the matter drop.
"Orion, there's one thing that's been on my mind since our first meeting a while back?" He wondered. As sailed through the trees traveling towards the valley I looked at him. Something told me it was in regards to when Nubai had him test me that day. My response was that I wasn't sure about their leader so I played it safe. "Now that I've heard your side of it, what you did was probably the best option." He stated.
"Here's what I find strange, Orion you are by far the strangest human I've met. Since our worlds became one my brother and I spent some time doing our homework. We're amazed such creatures have been able to prosper like you have given your violent history." She said. Sadly I couldn't argue with what she said but, I didn't add my input. She saw my reluctance to reply to her statement and called me on it.
"I don't know what you expect me to say on the subject, my race is very unpredictable. There's only a remote few that refuse to resort to violence when faced with the unknown. It's that remote few that'll survive should our two sides end up actually going to war. As for me and my mother we are among that group, despite I know how to fight. Sadly fate has spoken now I must prepare for the destined day." I pointed out.
That seemed to satisfy her for the time being as we reached the edge of the forest. We took a moment to rest before carefully descending the steep cliff side to the bottom. There was a thick fog bank about halfway down, so we slowed down just in case. When we finally reached the bottom and all that could be heard was explosions. The twins informed that the geysers here are unique though highly dangerous as well.
Apparently instead of high pressured steam at blisteringly high temperatures. Instead the water is so cold that when it shots into the air it bursts into flames. Though if it comes into contact with flesh it freezes then painfully condenses tightly around the bones. From the sound of it I felt bad for anyone or anything that's gotten caught. "Orion we have to go this place is highly unstable and geysers appear without warning." She said.
She wasn't kidding when a quake rocked the ground followed by an eruption. Off in the distance a geyser erupted flaming ice several hundred feet into the air. It was a beautiful sight to behold but, not something I wanted a front row seat for. With that we sped through the valley of flaming ice while doing our best to avoid geysers. As we ran swiftly and cautiously through the valley with the twins leading the way.
An odd silence soon filled the surrounding area causing me to stop in my tracks. "Hold, up you two something feels wrong, it's way too quiet around here." I stated. They stopped a few feet away then turned around to see me kneeling down to the ground. When placed my hand on the frigid ground I sent out small energy pulses. Scanning the surrounding area for any possible dangers and to my shock I felt nothing.
The only thing that would give such a reading was metal buried close to the surface. "What is it Orion?" The pair asked in unison. I told them that we were standing on a large metal plate just below our feet. "How can that be there's only one metal that could survive here? Sadly the ancients used all said metal for ceremonial armor and weapons." He informed. Judging from what he said the metal once had a name but, was lost ages ago.
Placing my hand back down on the frigid ground I sent a very strong pulse through it. This time around I got a more accurate idea of just how big the metal plate was. Oddly enough there was enough metal here to forge a full set of armor, sword and shield. "Okay, what's that look and what in the crystal heaven are you planning, Orion?" She asked. Her brother on the other was one step ahead of me as he walked over.
Taking the time to dug up the ore then they melted it down into a single large ingot. After it was packed securely into my bag we resumed our journey through the valley. Several hours passed before we reached the other side of the valley and in the distance. We could see the beautiful visage of the Hydra Mountain Range off in the distance. It would still be a week or more before actually reaching the base of the mountains.
"Just ahead is the Forest of Stone Leaves, a place where earth and plant have merged. Our village was located in the very epicenter of this forest, though nobody is there anymore. After the Valurean War the village elders decided to move to a less accessible location. When the war finally broke out everyone that could fight was summoned." The twins informed as we wandered into the forest.
As we walked deeper into the forest it felt strange that there wasn't any signs of wildlife. Even the sunlight looked altered when I looked up at the forest canopy to gauge the time. Twins paid me no mind as they scouted on ahead to see if any traps were left in place. Sadly the twisting in my gut only got worse the further I traveled along the road. Unfortunately my feeling of concern certainly paid off when something attacked.
Jumping clear out of the way as the creature struck the ground where I used to be. Kicking up a huge cloud of dust and caused the ground to shatter like a ton of matches. Then from out of the cloud a huge rock came flying at me like a two hundred mph fast ball. I was able to dodge it at the last second before an even larger rock flew towards me. Instead of trying to dodge it I whirled around then with my leg I destroyed it.
This time around the cloud of dust settled some allowing me a look at my enemy. Before I could get a solid look the figure vanished kicking up another dust cloud. What they didn't bank on was the dust actually left a trail behind their route of escape. Allowing me a chance to retaliate in kind for the short game of dodge rock they started. Forming a small but, dense ball of energy and air in the center of my palm then launched it.
As it rocketed towards my target it seemed to be ready for me and deflected it. Before I even knew what happened, a blinding torrent of stone leaves came, flying at me. Even with all my training I wasn't able to dodge, deflect or guard against all of them. Though I did my best to protect myself the best I could against the massive amount of projectiles. When the torrent ceased I landed on the ground and my clothes were in tatters.
Unfortunately there was no rest for the wicked or weary as my enemies attack resumed. All I heard was this strange language followed by my enemy dashing towards me. This time around I wasn't budging, as they appeared in the clearing I used a simple tactic. Moving with such intense speed it left behind a solid illusion of me behind. When my attacker hit the fake, I rushed in before they had a second to recover.
With every ounce of speed and strength I put my target into a firm sleeper hold. All of a sudden a large cloud of white smoke exploded leaving a small log of wood behind. Before I had a chance to figure out what happened another barrage of leaves hit me. Plowing me into the ground hard, leaving a grove in the road in my wake as well. Getting back on my feet before being blindsided once again by a leg.
I didn't even have time to react as it hit me right in the nose sending me reeling. Trying my best to shake the stars out of my eyes while their attack continued. Once again as I go to recover a heavy impact hit me dead square in the stomach. Catching the air of my inhale right in my throat then launching me into a tree leaving an impact crater. At this point in time I had just about enough of tip toeing around this character.
Doing the smart thing by making as if I was no longer able to fight back. They moved in closer to make sure I was either out cold or dead then I struck back. Building up all the energy housed within my body and with one single motion I unleashed it. The stone tree crumbled into nothing but, pebbles while my enemy on the other hand. Received a beat down far worse than I received just moments ago only ten times harder.
By the time everything went silent my opponent was down on the ground and I was exhausted. With the last of my strength I tied my enemy up good just as the twins returned. "WHERE IN THE HELL HAVE THE TWO OF YOU BEEN?!" I snapped angrily. Both twins flinched away from me then surveyed the battle ground and lowered their gazes. As I cooled off they told me that they got held up by a similar problem.
The male walked away for a moment then dragged four hogged tied individuals. In my weakened state I wasn't in much of a position to do much moving around. "Would either of you mind checking them for a mark on their persons for clues?" I asked. She smiled then grabbed the person that had attacked me and dragged them over. From there the two checked them for any signs of identification in their pockets.
While they kept searching them I did a complete assessment of all my injuries. I was fortunate that none of my ribs were broken from that powerful shot to the stomach. As for the rest of injuries they're bad though not severe enough that required surgery. "Orion, I don't know how to say this but, these kitsune don't have identities." She replied. Naturally the bad news left me completely shocked beyond words could express.
She continued to search each of them on the off chance she missed something. While her brother tended to my wounds with what medicine he had in his pack. This time around she found something in the way of info from one of the kitsune. It turned out to be a talisman the second it was removed the entire team crumbled to dust. "Oh, that's just flipping fantastic, now how do we find out anything?" I asked angrily.
To be continued.