Chapter One: Juwakro
Out in the deep woods of Yeoux territory, armed Human soldiers of the nearby country struck at the fox-like humanoid species. There stood a man as the general laying siege, giving the commands to his soldiers, and even joining the fray. His companionship with his war crows made him to be a deadly warrior. There were few battles he lost. Some even say, he chose to lose those, as to show his humble side.
Even up against the famed General, the Yeoux fought on, defending their nation from the invasion. This particular battle raged on near the capital of the Yeoux nation. The King himself arrived on the battlefield, aiming to stop the human advancement. He had sat back long enough. The General and the King met eyes across the battlefield of hundreds of warring Human and Yeoux soldiers. “Juwakro Urobi. I can honestly claim I did not expect it to come to this.” Juwakro himself stayed silent, moving closer to the King to enter battle with him. He could not tell his reasons, but he knew he was in the wrong. Juwakro called his war crows to his side through the sound of his finger whistle, each crow larger than a normal one, one white and the other black.
Even though Juwakro wanted to tell the King he was sorry, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He could only move forward, striking the King of Yeoux and beginning their battle. The King defended himself quite easily, as Juwakro expected from basic strikes. He upped his tactics, bringing the crows into the fight, throwing the King off guard from the winged enemies. The two fought on, neither side giving in, while all the other soldiers fell one by one in the battle.
Juwakro started taking advantage more often, chipping away at the King’s weakness of sky enemies. He couldn’t protect himself from up above while having his hands full with Juwakro. But, Juwakro dearly underestimated the King. In a twist, the King grabbed the black crow by a leg, ripping it out from the sky and slammed it into the ground. The King brought his claw into the air, throwing it down on the injured Crow, intending to eliminate it permanently. Juwakro jumped forth, taking the shot for his crow. The King’s claws pierced Juwakro’s back, blood rushing out as the King removed his claw.
The wound was deeper than Juwakro expected, showing the King fully intended to defeat Nightshade, Juwakro’s war crow. ‘I never expected the King to be so cruel, though we are invading his country. I can see why he’d try to drop what friendship we did have. Just as I had to…’ Juwakro thought, as he stood back up slowly.
“I can promise you, I would not end your life through dishonest means. I tried pulling my strike when I saw you dive. My, how you differ in a fight for life.” The King spoke to Juwakro. He stood in ready position, waiting for Juwakro to regain his composure for their fight.
Nightshade and Juwakro both got ready again, the former hardly able to fly. Juwakro wanted to tell his crow to retreat, but he knew if he did, he himself couldn’t win this fight. Juwakro initiated the next round, starting slow against the King. Only the skilled in battle could truly tell Juwakro was weakened. Normal soldiers could only see the two fight as if they were evenly match on their own tier of prowess.
Whitewing, Juwakro’s other war crow, got an opening on the King, making him loose concentration on Juwakro. Majority of the moments before, the King was distracted but could still defend himself easily. This time, however, Juwakro pierced the King with his katana.
The shock of the battle woke Juwakro early morning, just before sunrise. Juwakro was breathing heavily, his blanket slewed off of him in a rush. “Thirty years, and this nightmare still haunts me,” Juwakro said sadly. Juwakro had long since retired from military service. He came back from that battle with a win, but at what cost? He couldn’t accept his loss of friendship with the late King. He knew the war was unjust. Humans expanding their territory through force. He never wanted to, but defying the Lord was penalty of death. He couldn’t leave his wife behind in such a way.
A small boy rushed in, happy. “Daddy, come on. We have to get some work done before breakfast!” Juwakro relaxed, even coming to a smile. At least he was able to instill his ideals into this boy. He hoped for him to become a great warrior and protect his friends, no matter whom he faced, a task which Juwakro failed greatly.
Juwakro got out of bed and readied himself for the farm work. He came outside to see his son had already begun. Juwakro joined him, tending the fields as he watched his son. He was glad this chance came to him.
Back before he retired, he and his wife tried many times to bear children; all fell short of the goal. They had given up after many years of trying, seeing it impossible to have children. Then one day, an old comrade of his, Chao, arrived in his village. She was a professional assassin in the military, who was paired up with the general on many occasions. Juwakro questioned her, thinking it was strange. She told him about a particular man’s plan, and that she needed a place to hide, as she couldn’t fight while pregnant. Juwakro and his wife allowed her to stay as long as she needed. Time passed on, until near birth, Chao asked if Juwakro wanted her baby to raise as his own. She found out about their misfortune, and feeling that the child would be better off with a retired general than with an active assassin, she pushed the offer for them. They gladly accepted.
“Daddy, you’re spacing off again!” the child cried out. Juwakro snapped back, thanking his son and continued the farm work until breakfast. He knew of his moments, and he asked his son to remind him when he did it. It helped his focus on his farm more often. Though, he rarely spaced, he started doing it more often as the years passed.
The day passed on; Juwakro and his son finished the farm work for the day around mid-afternoon. The two of them went inside and got cleaned off. There was a knock at the door. Juwakro was closest at the time, so he answered it for his family. “Ah, what a surprise, Prince Geim. What brings you here, more adventures with Razu?”
“Yes, please, if you could get him.” The prince of the Yeoux asked kindly, speaking in a formal tone as well, to show his respect to Juwakro.
“Very well. I’ll go fetch him. You know the usual, back by dinner.” Juwakro headed back inside, telling his son of his friend’s arrival and the same information about his return. Razu thanked his dad, rushing out the door.
“Come on, Arai. I’ll race you to the border!” Razu yelled out, getting a head start. Juwakro watched the two race, seeing Arai quickly overtake Razu. The border between the Yeoux country and one of Juwakro’s home was close by Juwakro’s fields. His home was mostly in the back end of the village.
Juwakro turned back to face the inside of the house. “I’m running to the village center. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Juwakro yelled out for his wife to hear. Soon after hearing her reply of acknowledgement, he left the house, heading to his destination.
Juwakro took his usual route, which went around the village center to pass in front of the Kame house. The house was also on the outskirts of the village, but near the cliff side with little fields to own. The family had a small house, with a shrine, and a dock at the bottom of the cliff. They were fishermen of the village, but not very well liked. Even still, with their skills, they were able to make money to live, even when their fish selling prices were low and buying other goods were high.
As Juwakro passed by the front, a small girl ran out onto the road. “Hiya, Mr. Urobi. I was hoping to see you today!” The girl smiled, hiding her hands behind her back.
“Good afternoon Youki. Your parents out at sea still?”
“Yea, they’ll be back with dinner soon. I can’t wait to eat. Fish is the best! Mr. Urobi, I made you a present. I just finished it today.” Youki pulled her hands out from behind her as she showed Juwakro the necklace made of seashells.
“Thank you, Miss Youki. I’ll cherish it greatly.” Juwakro took the necklace and put it on, smiling at the little girl. He became worried quickly when she fell to the ground on her knees, grabbing at her stomach. “Are you all right?” He asked hurriedly. Juwakro called out for Youki’s grandfather, who always stayed to watch over her while the parents went fishing. The old man rushed out, helping Youki up and bringing her inside. He explained to Juwakro that it was nothing but a stomach ache, insisting Juwakro leave for today.
Juwakro knew what it was though. He was close enough to that family to know of its secrets, especially the common knowledge of the demon they carried. What most people didn’t know though was how they carried the demon. It was passed down to the youngest girl of the family when the holder passed away, so when Youki’s grandmother died, Youki received the demon. He was sure the pain she experienced was her body adjusting to it. Her grandfather was just trying to protect her from the villagers thinking she had it personally.
Juwakro continued into town center, checking on the villagers and catching up with them. He tried supporting them all with friendship, but quite a few of them despised him for befriending the Kame family. He cared not for their hatred and continued on trying to patch up the village. Juwakro understood the Kame family’s story, how they came from another area. Their previous home tortured them far worse than this one, somehow forgetting along the way they saved them from the demon. He just wanted the fear of the villagers to stop spreading.
Juwakro finished up his trip, picking up certain supplies and heading back home, narrowly beating Razu home. “How was Prince Geim doing?”
“He’s fine daddy. The same as always. Now, let’s eat some dinner!” Razu rushed into the house, keeping the door open for Juwakro.
The night seemed fine, like any other night. They all went to bed; Juwakro waking up the next morning to the same nightmare. Sometimes he got other battles of the war, but day after day recently, it has been his victory over the late King.
Razu beat him out to the fields again. Juwakro was starting to feel his oldness catch up. He remembered when he had to push Razu to even come out to help. The two did their morning routine, making it to late morning.
“Dad, there’s smoke coming from the Kame home!” Razu yelled out, waking Juwakro from his occasional trance. Juwakro looked over to the house to see heavy smoke and even flames, which was a terrible sign considering the distance.
“Stay here with your mother!” Juwakro yelled out, as he ran over to the Kame house, whistling two of his former companions over to him.
He made it to the house to see the shrine emblazed. The whole Kame family was there trying to put it out. Juwakro was relieved it wasn’t anything too troublesome, but it was still their family shrine, which he knew someone from the village set on fire to make them leave. Juwakro joined them, using his crows to fetch water more rapidly, dousing the flame.
After it was all over with, the Kame family thanked him and brought up the villagers’ involvement. Juwakro said he would take care of it, heading out to village center alone. He called a village meeting, gathering the main people at the center.
He brought up the issue, explaining it outright, that the Kame family should not be pushed away or treated as demons. “There is nothing to fear. Their family has kept the demon at bay for more than enough time. There was one incident when this village was created, but it only told of their secret. No one was harmed. This fear and hatred must cease immediately, or else it may come true!”
The meeting kept on for hours, simply discussing the incident, and who may have done it. Juwakro slowly got some of the villager leaders to let up, which they would do the same to their people. He was glad that his mission was finally getting somewhere for the Kame family. He just hoped Youki would be able to enjoy herself now. Years passed on, as the villagers slowly became more open to the Kame family, some even visiting their land.
Juwakro’s dream continued on, starting after the battle victory. The King was taken back to the capital, as the units retreated. Juwakro’s unit was replaced by the city seizing battalion. He rushed his soldiers back to the base, quickly getting medical care for the injured soldiers.
He immediately met up with Chao in secret after giving his reports in. “Are the plans almost done?”
“No, it’ll still take weeks. And we’re sure to capture the capital. We’ll need to readjust.”
Juwakro gave his nod, heading back to the Lord. When he arrived, there was a messenger of the Yeoux asking for a treaty. With their king defeated, they had no choice. Juwakro gave his opinion on the matter, explaining to the Lord that the land they gained is more than enough. The peace treaty was signed, and the siege battalion was called back.
With this, the plan was completed. An uprising occurred, eliminating the Lord for his misdeeds in rule. The invasion of the Yeoux land was just the last of his decisions that caused the uprising.
Juwakro was now proud to serve as General for the new Lord. He saw that he wasn’t as selfish as the previous one, taking land from neighboring countries just for personal use. With the help of Juwakro, the new Lord entered relations with Yeoux, even returning a majority of their land back to them. By the time this happened though, some land was occupied by the commoners of Juwakro’s country.
Juwakro woke up earlier than Razu that day, even beating him out to the fields. “I finally got out here first again,” he laughed with Razu.
“I let you win this time Father,” Razu jested, the both of them knowing he was still sound asleep when Juwakro woke him. The two started their daily farm work, working the fields all day, and finishing earlier than usual.
The both of them walked over to the Kame house, en route to the village center, which Razu joined more often, since Arai was more delved into his prince duties. Youki came rushing out, stopping shy of her usual spot. She didn’t say anything, but just stared at the older boy.
“Ah yes, this is my son, Razu. And this is Youki. I’m surprised that you two haven’t met yet.”
“Hello Youki,” Razu waved at the pre-teen girl. Youki waved back herself silently. Juwakro figured she was shy around people she hadn’t met now, since she lived most of her life near the Kame house or fishing.
“Say hello to your family for me Youki?” Juwakro asked, waving to her. Razu did the same, and the two started walking after she responded.
“Yes, Mr. Urobi. It was nice to meet you Razu!” Razu returned the compliment.
“Like I said earlier, it’s hard to believe you two haven’t met. Strange how chance works sometimes, huh?” Juwakro conversed as they entered the village edge. He had decided on letting it happen, rather than introducing Razu to Youki. After all, both showed up on Juwakro’s daily walks to the village. It was only a matter of time.
One of the village leaders called a meeting when Juwakro arrived, which in turn had Juwakro send Razu home with the supplies he intended to pick up. Juwakro sat down with the village leaders, discussing the recent events of the village, mainly the population growth and the relations with the Kame family, which were healing nicely. By now, the father of the household was present in the meetings. The meeting closed rather early, as it was just a touch-up meeting.
Juwakro came back home, entering the house and calling out for anyone. His wife appeared, but only her, so he questioned if Razu came home. She said no, which shocked him. He turned around, running out the door to look for his son. His first area to search was the immediate area of his land, which brought him to the border in his sight. He saw Razu standing over a shadow, his hand up to his face.
Juwakro approached him quickly, questioning him. To his further surprise, Razu turned around with a burnt face and brokenness in his eyes. Juwakro looked down, seeing Arai in a pool of blood. “How bad is it?” Juwakro asked rhetorically as he checked for signs of life. The prince had been killed. “Who did this?” His voice was serious. Razu looked shocked to see his father respond like he did, but his best friend was gone.
“I’m not sure. It was some old guy in a lab coat. Arai sacrificed himself to save me.” Razu fell to his knees, finally giving in.
Juwakro whistled in his crows, which he wrote a note and sent them off to the Yeoux capital with the boy’s body and the note: Whitewing carrying the boy and Nightshade, the note. “Come on. We need to get back home.” Juwakro helped his son up and the two headed home quickly.
Upon entrance, his wife was quite shocked and worried, but happy to see her son again. Juwakro readied some remedies he had learned over the years, and gave them to Razu for his face. Razu used it for the hour they waited for a response, but to no avail, his face was marked permanently.
The representative from the Yeoux showed up, questioning Juwakro in private. “Why didn’t you bring the prince back yourself?”
“I would have, but I had to take care of my own son. When I arrived, Prince Geim was already dead. I wish I could’ve protected him. It must have been set up. I knew that meeting was rather unusual.” Juwakro started talking to himself.
The Yeoux rep answered back, “So you claim this mystery man in a lab coat was the one who did it?”
“Yes, that’s what my son said.”
“How can we be certain it wasn’t your son? You had slain the past king yourself.”
“My son was best friends with him! And my son isn’t a liar. About your late king, I was in a circumstance, and he knew it. We chose to fight honorably to the death, best man left.”
“Ha, surely the past king wouldn’t lose to you!”
“Silence. You may be one of those war-hardened men, but I speak the truth. This has nothing to do with my relation with the late King.”
“Yet your son marks the burns of fire upon his face? Highly unlikely his face was conveniently burned when not killing our prince who has tamed fire for his own use.”
“Look, no one knows what happened out there except my son. And I told you before; he wouldn’t lie and kill his best friend. Now, we must search for this mystery man before he can get too far away. We’ve already lost an hour.” Juwakro took off with the Yeoux, leaving behind Whitewing and Nightshade to protect his family. He would’ve informed the village too, but he had no idea who was in league with the man.
Then it snapped. The man’s description fit the one of the particular man Chao warned him about. Had he finally found Razu? The search results were empty-handed, leaving both parties frustrated. Juwakro had to heal the wounds of the Yeoux tribe, assuring them he would find this man. Unfortunately over the next two years, Juwakro was empty-handed still.
It was March 8. Today was Razu’s 18th birthday. Juwakro checked in his son’s room to find him all ready to go. He saw the boy looking into the mirror, checking his wardrobe. Juwakro could see his face. It looked like a beast had swiped its three claws from his bottom right part of his face up across the center, missing chunks as if he was dodging. He shook his head, refusing to believe Razu had ended his friend’s life.
“It's a little big, but I think it looks good on you." Razu turned over to see his dad. "Looks like you're wearing a kilt. Anyway, I wanted to give you a gift for your adventure: our family mask. It'll help conceal your wounds too. Though, I don't think it'd matter if you wore it or not, both would make you look intimidating, hahaha," he gave out a hardy laugh. In his hands, was the Urobi mask, black with white squares top and bottom with inverse fang-like white stripes at the bottom too, on either side of the square.
“Thank you Father. I’ll protect it, just as it would protect me.” Razu lifted the mask and pressed it to his face, attaching it on. He immediately asked his dad, “How does it look?” Razu continued quickly after, “my voice sounds the same.”
Juwakro patted Razu’s head. “It’s a fit! Here’s another thing, your mom packed some lasting foods for you.” As Razu tightened his sheathed katana into his belt, he looked up to see a tiny capsule. It was no surprise; nowadays, capsules were much advanced and more effective at storage. He accepted the capsule and stored it away, then finished his preparation with putting his mint-coloured mini poncho on.
The two walked out the house and through the village path, away from the Kame house, stopping at the edge of the village. “Good luck son, it’s tough out there.” Razu nodded and walked forward. Juwakro watched as his son left. There wasn’t much he could do. Two years of waiting to see if this old man would strike again, there would be no proof he would if he forced Razu to stay behind. He trusted his son, which is all that mattered in the end.
Juwakro returned home, walking directly through the village center and around, passing by the Kame house. There wasn’t any motion when he passed by, so he figured the entire family went out for the fishing today. They went out fishing around the time he started his farm work. With the amount they catch per day, he was surprised they hadn’t eaten the ocean yet.
Reaching his land, Juwakro started his farm work, with his wife coming out to help him. He told her he could handle it, but she insisted they work together now that Razu had gone off on his own. Juwakro reluctantly agreed, tending to his farm with his wife, just as they had done before Razu was born. Most of the year passed on quickly and quietly.
Before Juwakro knew it, it was Youki’s birthday. February 20th, almost a whole year since Razu left. Juwakro, after finishing his farm work, headed over to the Kame house. With Youki now helping with the fishing, they came back earlier than before. He knocked on the door, waiting for an answer. There was none. He heard some commotion in the backyard, and he went to check it out.
To his surprise, around the corner, he saw Youki standing over her entire family. But it wasn’t Youki. Her appearance was much darker and her body radiated dark energy. Juwakro quickly whistled in his war crows, which caught the demon’s attention quickly.
Juwakro abandoned the house, taking to the open field. The demon-possessed Youki chased after, catching up to him much faster than he expected. He was able to fend off its strike, but he was knocked over in the process. The demon aimed a strike at his face, but Juwakro rolled over, barely missing the attack. Whitewing arrived, striking the demon off of Juwakro. Nightshade arrived soon after, which Juwakro commented to him, “I know boy. I’m getting too old for this too.” Juwakro prepared himself, but was quickly overwhelmed by what he had just witnessed. Whitewing had been pierced thoroughly in the heart, blood dripping off the claw of the demon. “No!” Juwakro cried out. After decades of battles and bonding, his war crow had been defeated and in only one strike. Juwakro called Nightshade out of the battle, knowing that he would be easily killed if Whitewing, whom was in better shape, died so fast.
“Looks like this is my final hour Nightshade. Enjoy your life. And if you can, follow Razu’s commands.” Juwakro dodged the demon’s next strike, even redirecting the demon’s body so Nightshade could make a safe escape. “Youki! Listen to me Youki. You can control this demon!”
Juwakro tried reasoning with the girl inside the demon’s presence, to his perspective, it was no use. Juwakro kept up with the demon, fending off the attacks and persisting his plea to the girl. The battle continued for several minutes of Juwakro barely missing each strike. His old age and his war wound from the late King Yeoux had him at a severe disadvantage. He just couldn’t keep up with the demon. “I’m sorry everyone.” And at that moment, the demon had pierced Juwakro’s heart as well.
The shock from the attack reverted Youki back to control. After his pleas, she was able to remember she was present, but she couldn’t control it, not until Juwakro was fatally wounded. The village leaders rushed over, yelling at Youki to stand down. Juwakro lifted his arm to gain the villager’s attention. “Please, let her free. Killing her would only release the demon. Youki…” Juwakro tried talking to her as well in his final breath, but he could only manage her name. And with that, the General, and father, had dropped dead on the field, leaving Youki with the fearful villagers.
Even up against the famed General, the Yeoux fought on, defending their nation from the invasion. This particular battle raged on near the capital of the Yeoux nation. The King himself arrived on the battlefield, aiming to stop the human advancement. He had sat back long enough. The General and the King met eyes across the battlefield of hundreds of warring Human and Yeoux soldiers. “Juwakro Urobi. I can honestly claim I did not expect it to come to this.” Juwakro himself stayed silent, moving closer to the King to enter battle with him. He could not tell his reasons, but he knew he was in the wrong. Juwakro called his war crows to his side through the sound of his finger whistle, each crow larger than a normal one, one white and the other black.
Even though Juwakro wanted to tell the King he was sorry, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He could only move forward, striking the King of Yeoux and beginning their battle. The King defended himself quite easily, as Juwakro expected from basic strikes. He upped his tactics, bringing the crows into the fight, throwing the King off guard from the winged enemies. The two fought on, neither side giving in, while all the other soldiers fell one by one in the battle.
Juwakro started taking advantage more often, chipping away at the King’s weakness of sky enemies. He couldn’t protect himself from up above while having his hands full with Juwakro. But, Juwakro dearly underestimated the King. In a twist, the King grabbed the black crow by a leg, ripping it out from the sky and slammed it into the ground. The King brought his claw into the air, throwing it down on the injured Crow, intending to eliminate it permanently. Juwakro jumped forth, taking the shot for his crow. The King’s claws pierced Juwakro’s back, blood rushing out as the King removed his claw.
The wound was deeper than Juwakro expected, showing the King fully intended to defeat Nightshade, Juwakro’s war crow. ‘I never expected the King to be so cruel, though we are invading his country. I can see why he’d try to drop what friendship we did have. Just as I had to…’ Juwakro thought, as he stood back up slowly.
“I can promise you, I would not end your life through dishonest means. I tried pulling my strike when I saw you dive. My, how you differ in a fight for life.” The King spoke to Juwakro. He stood in ready position, waiting for Juwakro to regain his composure for their fight.
Nightshade and Juwakro both got ready again, the former hardly able to fly. Juwakro wanted to tell his crow to retreat, but he knew if he did, he himself couldn’t win this fight. Juwakro initiated the next round, starting slow against the King. Only the skilled in battle could truly tell Juwakro was weakened. Normal soldiers could only see the two fight as if they were evenly match on their own tier of prowess.
Whitewing, Juwakro’s other war crow, got an opening on the King, making him loose concentration on Juwakro. Majority of the moments before, the King was distracted but could still defend himself easily. This time, however, Juwakro pierced the King with his katana.
The shock of the battle woke Juwakro early morning, just before sunrise. Juwakro was breathing heavily, his blanket slewed off of him in a rush. “Thirty years, and this nightmare still haunts me,” Juwakro said sadly. Juwakro had long since retired from military service. He came back from that battle with a win, but at what cost? He couldn’t accept his loss of friendship with the late King. He knew the war was unjust. Humans expanding their territory through force. He never wanted to, but defying the Lord was penalty of death. He couldn’t leave his wife behind in such a way.
A small boy rushed in, happy. “Daddy, come on. We have to get some work done before breakfast!” Juwakro relaxed, even coming to a smile. At least he was able to instill his ideals into this boy. He hoped for him to become a great warrior and protect his friends, no matter whom he faced, a task which Juwakro failed greatly.
Juwakro got out of bed and readied himself for the farm work. He came outside to see his son had already begun. Juwakro joined him, tending the fields as he watched his son. He was glad this chance came to him.
Back before he retired, he and his wife tried many times to bear children; all fell short of the goal. They had given up after many years of trying, seeing it impossible to have children. Then one day, an old comrade of his, Chao, arrived in his village. She was a professional assassin in the military, who was paired up with the general on many occasions. Juwakro questioned her, thinking it was strange. She told him about a particular man’s plan, and that she needed a place to hide, as she couldn’t fight while pregnant. Juwakro and his wife allowed her to stay as long as she needed. Time passed on, until near birth, Chao asked if Juwakro wanted her baby to raise as his own. She found out about their misfortune, and feeling that the child would be better off with a retired general than with an active assassin, she pushed the offer for them. They gladly accepted.
“Daddy, you’re spacing off again!” the child cried out. Juwakro snapped back, thanking his son and continued the farm work until breakfast. He knew of his moments, and he asked his son to remind him when he did it. It helped his focus on his farm more often. Though, he rarely spaced, he started doing it more often as the years passed.
The day passed on; Juwakro and his son finished the farm work for the day around mid-afternoon. The two of them went inside and got cleaned off. There was a knock at the door. Juwakro was closest at the time, so he answered it for his family. “Ah, what a surprise, Prince Geim. What brings you here, more adventures with Razu?”
“Yes, please, if you could get him.” The prince of the Yeoux asked kindly, speaking in a formal tone as well, to show his respect to Juwakro.
“Very well. I’ll go fetch him. You know the usual, back by dinner.” Juwakro headed back inside, telling his son of his friend’s arrival and the same information about his return. Razu thanked his dad, rushing out the door.
“Come on, Arai. I’ll race you to the border!” Razu yelled out, getting a head start. Juwakro watched the two race, seeing Arai quickly overtake Razu. The border between the Yeoux country and one of Juwakro’s home was close by Juwakro’s fields. His home was mostly in the back end of the village.
Juwakro turned back to face the inside of the house. “I’m running to the village center. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Juwakro yelled out for his wife to hear. Soon after hearing her reply of acknowledgement, he left the house, heading to his destination.
Juwakro took his usual route, which went around the village center to pass in front of the Kame house. The house was also on the outskirts of the village, but near the cliff side with little fields to own. The family had a small house, with a shrine, and a dock at the bottom of the cliff. They were fishermen of the village, but not very well liked. Even still, with their skills, they were able to make money to live, even when their fish selling prices were low and buying other goods were high.
As Juwakro passed by the front, a small girl ran out onto the road. “Hiya, Mr. Urobi. I was hoping to see you today!” The girl smiled, hiding her hands behind her back.
“Good afternoon Youki. Your parents out at sea still?”
“Yea, they’ll be back with dinner soon. I can’t wait to eat. Fish is the best! Mr. Urobi, I made you a present. I just finished it today.” Youki pulled her hands out from behind her as she showed Juwakro the necklace made of seashells.
“Thank you, Miss Youki. I’ll cherish it greatly.” Juwakro took the necklace and put it on, smiling at the little girl. He became worried quickly when she fell to the ground on her knees, grabbing at her stomach. “Are you all right?” He asked hurriedly. Juwakro called out for Youki’s grandfather, who always stayed to watch over her while the parents went fishing. The old man rushed out, helping Youki up and bringing her inside. He explained to Juwakro that it was nothing but a stomach ache, insisting Juwakro leave for today.
Juwakro knew what it was though. He was close enough to that family to know of its secrets, especially the common knowledge of the demon they carried. What most people didn’t know though was how they carried the demon. It was passed down to the youngest girl of the family when the holder passed away, so when Youki’s grandmother died, Youki received the demon. He was sure the pain she experienced was her body adjusting to it. Her grandfather was just trying to protect her from the villagers thinking she had it personally.
Juwakro continued into town center, checking on the villagers and catching up with them. He tried supporting them all with friendship, but quite a few of them despised him for befriending the Kame family. He cared not for their hatred and continued on trying to patch up the village. Juwakro understood the Kame family’s story, how they came from another area. Their previous home tortured them far worse than this one, somehow forgetting along the way they saved them from the demon. He just wanted the fear of the villagers to stop spreading.
Juwakro finished up his trip, picking up certain supplies and heading back home, narrowly beating Razu home. “How was Prince Geim doing?”
“He’s fine daddy. The same as always. Now, let’s eat some dinner!” Razu rushed into the house, keeping the door open for Juwakro.
The night seemed fine, like any other night. They all went to bed; Juwakro waking up the next morning to the same nightmare. Sometimes he got other battles of the war, but day after day recently, it has been his victory over the late King.
Razu beat him out to the fields again. Juwakro was starting to feel his oldness catch up. He remembered when he had to push Razu to even come out to help. The two did their morning routine, making it to late morning.
“Dad, there’s smoke coming from the Kame home!” Razu yelled out, waking Juwakro from his occasional trance. Juwakro looked over to the house to see heavy smoke and even flames, which was a terrible sign considering the distance.
“Stay here with your mother!” Juwakro yelled out, as he ran over to the Kame house, whistling two of his former companions over to him.
He made it to the house to see the shrine emblazed. The whole Kame family was there trying to put it out. Juwakro was relieved it wasn’t anything too troublesome, but it was still their family shrine, which he knew someone from the village set on fire to make them leave. Juwakro joined them, using his crows to fetch water more rapidly, dousing the flame.
After it was all over with, the Kame family thanked him and brought up the villagers’ involvement. Juwakro said he would take care of it, heading out to village center alone. He called a village meeting, gathering the main people at the center.
He brought up the issue, explaining it outright, that the Kame family should not be pushed away or treated as demons. “There is nothing to fear. Their family has kept the demon at bay for more than enough time. There was one incident when this village was created, but it only told of their secret. No one was harmed. This fear and hatred must cease immediately, or else it may come true!”
The meeting kept on for hours, simply discussing the incident, and who may have done it. Juwakro slowly got some of the villager leaders to let up, which they would do the same to their people. He was glad that his mission was finally getting somewhere for the Kame family. He just hoped Youki would be able to enjoy herself now. Years passed on, as the villagers slowly became more open to the Kame family, some even visiting their land.
Juwakro’s dream continued on, starting after the battle victory. The King was taken back to the capital, as the units retreated. Juwakro’s unit was replaced by the city seizing battalion. He rushed his soldiers back to the base, quickly getting medical care for the injured soldiers.
He immediately met up with Chao in secret after giving his reports in. “Are the plans almost done?”
“No, it’ll still take weeks. And we’re sure to capture the capital. We’ll need to readjust.”
Juwakro gave his nod, heading back to the Lord. When he arrived, there was a messenger of the Yeoux asking for a treaty. With their king defeated, they had no choice. Juwakro gave his opinion on the matter, explaining to the Lord that the land they gained is more than enough. The peace treaty was signed, and the siege battalion was called back.
With this, the plan was completed. An uprising occurred, eliminating the Lord for his misdeeds in rule. The invasion of the Yeoux land was just the last of his decisions that caused the uprising.
Juwakro was now proud to serve as General for the new Lord. He saw that he wasn’t as selfish as the previous one, taking land from neighboring countries just for personal use. With the help of Juwakro, the new Lord entered relations with Yeoux, even returning a majority of their land back to them. By the time this happened though, some land was occupied by the commoners of Juwakro’s country.
Juwakro woke up earlier than Razu that day, even beating him out to the fields. “I finally got out here first again,” he laughed with Razu.
“I let you win this time Father,” Razu jested, the both of them knowing he was still sound asleep when Juwakro woke him. The two started their daily farm work, working the fields all day, and finishing earlier than usual.
The both of them walked over to the Kame house, en route to the village center, which Razu joined more often, since Arai was more delved into his prince duties. Youki came rushing out, stopping shy of her usual spot. She didn’t say anything, but just stared at the older boy.
“Ah yes, this is my son, Razu. And this is Youki. I’m surprised that you two haven’t met yet.”
“Hello Youki,” Razu waved at the pre-teen girl. Youki waved back herself silently. Juwakro figured she was shy around people she hadn’t met now, since she lived most of her life near the Kame house or fishing.
“Say hello to your family for me Youki?” Juwakro asked, waving to her. Razu did the same, and the two started walking after she responded.
“Yes, Mr. Urobi. It was nice to meet you Razu!” Razu returned the compliment.
“Like I said earlier, it’s hard to believe you two haven’t met. Strange how chance works sometimes, huh?” Juwakro conversed as they entered the village edge. He had decided on letting it happen, rather than introducing Razu to Youki. After all, both showed up on Juwakro’s daily walks to the village. It was only a matter of time.
One of the village leaders called a meeting when Juwakro arrived, which in turn had Juwakro send Razu home with the supplies he intended to pick up. Juwakro sat down with the village leaders, discussing the recent events of the village, mainly the population growth and the relations with the Kame family, which were healing nicely. By now, the father of the household was present in the meetings. The meeting closed rather early, as it was just a touch-up meeting.
Juwakro came back home, entering the house and calling out for anyone. His wife appeared, but only her, so he questioned if Razu came home. She said no, which shocked him. He turned around, running out the door to look for his son. His first area to search was the immediate area of his land, which brought him to the border in his sight. He saw Razu standing over a shadow, his hand up to his face.
Juwakro approached him quickly, questioning him. To his further surprise, Razu turned around with a burnt face and brokenness in his eyes. Juwakro looked down, seeing Arai in a pool of blood. “How bad is it?” Juwakro asked rhetorically as he checked for signs of life. The prince had been killed. “Who did this?” His voice was serious. Razu looked shocked to see his father respond like he did, but his best friend was gone.
“I’m not sure. It was some old guy in a lab coat. Arai sacrificed himself to save me.” Razu fell to his knees, finally giving in.
Juwakro whistled in his crows, which he wrote a note and sent them off to the Yeoux capital with the boy’s body and the note: Whitewing carrying the boy and Nightshade, the note. “Come on. We need to get back home.” Juwakro helped his son up and the two headed home quickly.
Upon entrance, his wife was quite shocked and worried, but happy to see her son again. Juwakro readied some remedies he had learned over the years, and gave them to Razu for his face. Razu used it for the hour they waited for a response, but to no avail, his face was marked permanently.
The representative from the Yeoux showed up, questioning Juwakro in private. “Why didn’t you bring the prince back yourself?”
“I would have, but I had to take care of my own son. When I arrived, Prince Geim was already dead. I wish I could’ve protected him. It must have been set up. I knew that meeting was rather unusual.” Juwakro started talking to himself.
The Yeoux rep answered back, “So you claim this mystery man in a lab coat was the one who did it?”
“Yes, that’s what my son said.”
“How can we be certain it wasn’t your son? You had slain the past king yourself.”
“My son was best friends with him! And my son isn’t a liar. About your late king, I was in a circumstance, and he knew it. We chose to fight honorably to the death, best man left.”
“Ha, surely the past king wouldn’t lose to you!”
“Silence. You may be one of those war-hardened men, but I speak the truth. This has nothing to do with my relation with the late King.”
“Yet your son marks the burns of fire upon his face? Highly unlikely his face was conveniently burned when not killing our prince who has tamed fire for his own use.”
“Look, no one knows what happened out there except my son. And I told you before; he wouldn’t lie and kill his best friend. Now, we must search for this mystery man before he can get too far away. We’ve already lost an hour.” Juwakro took off with the Yeoux, leaving behind Whitewing and Nightshade to protect his family. He would’ve informed the village too, but he had no idea who was in league with the man.
Then it snapped. The man’s description fit the one of the particular man Chao warned him about. Had he finally found Razu? The search results were empty-handed, leaving both parties frustrated. Juwakro had to heal the wounds of the Yeoux tribe, assuring them he would find this man. Unfortunately over the next two years, Juwakro was empty-handed still.
It was March 8. Today was Razu’s 18th birthday. Juwakro checked in his son’s room to find him all ready to go. He saw the boy looking into the mirror, checking his wardrobe. Juwakro could see his face. It looked like a beast had swiped its three claws from his bottom right part of his face up across the center, missing chunks as if he was dodging. He shook his head, refusing to believe Razu had ended his friend’s life.
“It's a little big, but I think it looks good on you." Razu turned over to see his dad. "Looks like you're wearing a kilt. Anyway, I wanted to give you a gift for your adventure: our family mask. It'll help conceal your wounds too. Though, I don't think it'd matter if you wore it or not, both would make you look intimidating, hahaha," he gave out a hardy laugh. In his hands, was the Urobi mask, black with white squares top and bottom with inverse fang-like white stripes at the bottom too, on either side of the square.
“Thank you Father. I’ll protect it, just as it would protect me.” Razu lifted the mask and pressed it to his face, attaching it on. He immediately asked his dad, “How does it look?” Razu continued quickly after, “my voice sounds the same.”
Juwakro patted Razu’s head. “It’s a fit! Here’s another thing, your mom packed some lasting foods for you.” As Razu tightened his sheathed katana into his belt, he looked up to see a tiny capsule. It was no surprise; nowadays, capsules were much advanced and more effective at storage. He accepted the capsule and stored it away, then finished his preparation with putting his mint-coloured mini poncho on.
The two walked out the house and through the village path, away from the Kame house, stopping at the edge of the village. “Good luck son, it’s tough out there.” Razu nodded and walked forward. Juwakro watched as his son left. There wasn’t much he could do. Two years of waiting to see if this old man would strike again, there would be no proof he would if he forced Razu to stay behind. He trusted his son, which is all that mattered in the end.
Juwakro returned home, walking directly through the village center and around, passing by the Kame house. There wasn’t any motion when he passed by, so he figured the entire family went out for the fishing today. They went out fishing around the time he started his farm work. With the amount they catch per day, he was surprised they hadn’t eaten the ocean yet.
Reaching his land, Juwakro started his farm work, with his wife coming out to help him. He told her he could handle it, but she insisted they work together now that Razu had gone off on his own. Juwakro reluctantly agreed, tending to his farm with his wife, just as they had done before Razu was born. Most of the year passed on quickly and quietly.
Before Juwakro knew it, it was Youki’s birthday. February 20th, almost a whole year since Razu left. Juwakro, after finishing his farm work, headed over to the Kame house. With Youki now helping with the fishing, they came back earlier than before. He knocked on the door, waiting for an answer. There was none. He heard some commotion in the backyard, and he went to check it out.
To his surprise, around the corner, he saw Youki standing over her entire family. But it wasn’t Youki. Her appearance was much darker and her body radiated dark energy. Juwakro quickly whistled in his war crows, which caught the demon’s attention quickly.
Juwakro abandoned the house, taking to the open field. The demon-possessed Youki chased after, catching up to him much faster than he expected. He was able to fend off its strike, but he was knocked over in the process. The demon aimed a strike at his face, but Juwakro rolled over, barely missing the attack. Whitewing arrived, striking the demon off of Juwakro. Nightshade arrived soon after, which Juwakro commented to him, “I know boy. I’m getting too old for this too.” Juwakro prepared himself, but was quickly overwhelmed by what he had just witnessed. Whitewing had been pierced thoroughly in the heart, blood dripping off the claw of the demon. “No!” Juwakro cried out. After decades of battles and bonding, his war crow had been defeated and in only one strike. Juwakro called Nightshade out of the battle, knowing that he would be easily killed if Whitewing, whom was in better shape, died so fast.
“Looks like this is my final hour Nightshade. Enjoy your life. And if you can, follow Razu’s commands.” Juwakro dodged the demon’s next strike, even redirecting the demon’s body so Nightshade could make a safe escape. “Youki! Listen to me Youki. You can control this demon!”
Juwakro tried reasoning with the girl inside the demon’s presence, to his perspective, it was no use. Juwakro kept up with the demon, fending off the attacks and persisting his plea to the girl. The battle continued for several minutes of Juwakro barely missing each strike. His old age and his war wound from the late King Yeoux had him at a severe disadvantage. He just couldn’t keep up with the demon. “I’m sorry everyone.” And at that moment, the demon had pierced Juwakro’s heart as well.
The shock from the attack reverted Youki back to control. After his pleas, she was able to remember she was present, but she couldn’t control it, not until Juwakro was fatally wounded. The village leaders rushed over, yelling at Youki to stand down. Juwakro lifted his arm to gain the villager’s attention. “Please, let her free. Killing her would only release the demon. Youki…” Juwakro tried talking to her as well in his final breath, but he could only manage her name. And with that, the General, and father, had dropped dead on the field, leaving Youki with the fearful villagers.