My Heaven
-The Pact with the Thunder Beast-
By Michael James
Part 1
Struck
In a technological town...
“Come on, who thinks they can beat me” shouted Jault? A big kid who must have been half her age older stepped into the opening. “Throw a coin into the pot.” He put a silver into the can.
The competition they were doing wasn't physically fighting. This was a game of chicken. The rules were first one to move their feet lost. Above them were lightning clouds. That sent strikes at will down to them. Also if you hit the other kid you lose. Jault had a whole bucket of silver coins. She threw down a bolt right between his legs. He fell on his back and started to cry. All the kids circling around them laughed at him.
“All of you shut up. No one laughed at you after you got scared!” She lent him her hand to get back up. This game they were playing was outlawed and the authorities soon found them. Jault grabbed her coin and took off. A day later at her mansions gate. The same boy showed up and asked her to hang with him today.
“I don't expect you to...” Radcliff right? “Pardon? She wanted to know if he was Radcliff? “Yes I am.” Jault looked him over, she heard he was one of her suitors. Besides the gap in age she was attracted to him. That being said she was being punished and couldn't leave her land. “I see.” But he was welcome to come in. “I'd like that.” At the rate a human goes to a Kitsune, she was 10 and he was 15. But in truth she was 30 and he was 45. A kitsune ages 3 times slower.
She took him into the garden and showed him how to care for medicinal herbs. He listened to her with interest. Truly she was waiting for him to make a move. Just like her other men.
“I just had a new kimono made for me. It's in my room would you like to see it?” His face went red. “Easy there, I'm not going to put it on in front of you.” He told her that wasn't why he was embarrassed. To enter her room would be rather forward. “You're cute, you know that.” Jault's mother called out to them. Saying lunch would be served soon. They ate at the table and he worked up the courage to enter her room. Jault had a great deal of expensive art on her walls. When Radcliff left the mansion. Jault's mother asked what she thought.
“Well mother, he seems to be nice and he is from a good family.” But? “I want more from a man than being polite. Nice mannered men are way to boring. He had chances to make a move, or be indecent.” Her mother rolled her eyes.
The next day,
in the slums...
“Where is it, huh where is the mirror we told you to steal for us.” The little girl told the boys she got caught. “Lets shave her head.” NO! SHE WOULD GET THE MIRROR, SHE PROMISED! “Yeah, I know you'll get the mirror, hold her down.”
“Hey!” The 8 boys looked down the alley. Jault was standing there with a curved short sword. Like scared baby spiders they fled the alley. The girl was scared of her too. What happened next caught everyone off guard. A huge bolt of lightning hit Jault dead on.
In a realm,
of storm clouds...
“Hello?”
“I've been watching you for some time. My name is Raijin, I am the god of lightning. You don't appear to be afraid of me little one. I commend you for your bravery, except I'm not surprised.” Jault took a knee and asked how she could be of service. “You misunderstand, it is I, who wish to be of service to you. I have a gift for you.” Jault looked up and saw a great thunder beast appear. “This is Raiju, he is my faithful friend and is now yours to command.”
“I am honored your lordship. Could I ask why I have been granted such an honor?” He had watched her with interest for a couple years and liked what he saw. This was his reason.
Part 2
30 years later
Outside July's kingdom...
“Captain! We have the last of the traitors.” Jault walked out of her tent, and over to the prison cage. In the cage were 5 men who led a small army against July of Thunder.
“Do you all know what fate awaits you?” The toughest one shouted the king was unfair to his people. He took their food, coin and sons all in the name of war! “Where is the kings niece?” The men were all silent. “You talk about being fair, yet you condemn an innocent girl. Just to have a bargaining chip?” The Snake Brass mountains where this started. She was in a cage at the highest cavern.
In the location given,
a couple days later...
“I'm cold, and I hurt. Can I please have some food?” The men told her to shut up. She had her bread for the day. “Please can I have more?” If she didn't want to play the game again, she should shut her mouth! Her stomach started to make noises.
“Oh hell... July's captain is here!” The guys ran out of the cave and saw the giant thunder beast. She was climbing the side of the of the mountain like a spider. “FLEE!” Jault made quick work of them all. As she took her normal form. Jault entered the cavern and saw her. Like a mother, Jault took her in her arms and cradled her, while walking to her men. After a few days went by before Jault addressed the king in person.
“Ah captain, yes. I will be requiring services tonight. Make yourself presentable for me wont you.” She started to tell him that his niece was alive. “I do not care about that. Have those who oppose me been taken care of?” Yes, the insurrection was stopped. He had lost a lot of soldiers... “That is enough, you may go, I'll see you tonight.”
That night,
in his bed chamber...
“How good of you to make yourself all pretty. Now lets chain you up.” She put a cloth between her teeth. Then she allowed her hands to be chained above her head... After a couple hours Jault left the kings room. Her back was bloody and she had been violated.
When she got to the barracks...
“Hi fellas, would one of you catch me?” Thankfully one of them did catch her as passed out. She awoke with her whip wounds treated and she was in her bed.
“Captain, how long are you going to keep doing this?” She told him to be careful. Such words could be considered treason. “You have more scars on your back than bare flesh.”
“It's not so bad. I've been stabbed by spears and swords. I have had ribs cracked. What his majesty does to me is no big deal.” As they talked the kings niece ran into the barracks. She was looking for Jault and was being pursued by soldiers. Jault got between the girl and the soldiers path. “Why are you chasing a little girl?”
“Lady Sakuya has been convicted of treason. She is to be put in the cells where she will await a beheading.” Who had convicted her? “The king himself says her refusal to marry is treason.” Sakuya begged Jault to protect her. She allowed the girl to be taken in the name of the king. She went to the king the next day. Her request to reconsider the girls fate, was not met with kindness.
“Seize her.” 4 soldiers grabbed and forced her to the floor. “Do I not reward your excellent service with nights of wonderful passion. Yet you come against me like this. Not even a day after my generosity. Tisk tisk, I'm afraid I must make you into a slave now. Put her in the same cell as my niece. Maybe she will learn to keep her mouth shut.”
“I have served you loyally all this time and this is my reward?” July's eyes widened with disgust. He ordered them both to be thrown into the water until death.
Down a large pit,
and into an aquifer...
“I'm scared” Sakuya cried.
“My lord Raijin, I pray to you please get us out of this pit.” From the surface into the deep part of the water were metal cords. Very soon the 2 women were electrocuted with currents going down the cables. Jault could handle this for a while. Sakuya wasn't going to last 5 minutes. “Lord Raijin please!”
“You have called upon me. I will answer your prayer” he said in her mind.
Part 3
Escaping a terror
At the top of the pit...
“What's that light?” The other guys didn't know, but it seemed to be rising. “The water should have prevented her from turning into a beast!” The others turned and ran to the door and locked some of their own inside. Sakuya rose out of the pit emitting celestial lightning from her body. When she touched down on the ground. She kicked the rope ladder into the hole. 6 guys were fried.
Jault got up the ladder as fast as she could. Sakuya was waiting for her, or actually Raijin was waiting for her. Soldiers kept coming in and Sakuya made quick work of them.
“My friend, I must tell you that you putting yourself through his torture. Every time you return victorious, you expect to bite that rag.” She told him her duties were not for the king, they were for the people. “Yes, well, I think you should know the city is rebelling. King July just issued an order all girls over the age of 44. Were to report to the castle. So the kings army could make more soldiers... Now what will you do?”
“I'm going to find July and end this.” Good answer!
Down in the castle cellar...
“This way your majesty.” July had 50 soldiers escorting him to the escape tunnel. Towns people had broke down the gate and were flooding into the halls. As they neared the door, raging footsteps were above them. “You 2 go down the passage and make sure its safe” ordered a commander.
“No, I'm sure its safe. All 50 of you are to guard the door. Fight to the last man and give me time to escape.” A couple of them looked at each other asking if he was serious? “Kill the doubters.” The tunnel went under a body of water out into a cavern a mile away. As ordered they locked the door and hid the key. Preparing to fight to the last.
In the tunnel...
“I swear all this muddy water! Would it have killed them to lay down stepping stones.” Then July saw someone at the end of the tunnel holding a light. “Who goes there?”
“Is that you uncle” Sakuya shouted back? July stopped scared to death. “I guess that's a yes?” An electric current went to him through the muddy water and the ceiling started to give way.
One might ask if their primary gift is lightning why would it hurt. The answer is that water cancels out immunity by choice. Otherwise they would fry themselves while drinking a beverage. Any new electricity would hurt them like a normal human.
Another question is why would he willingly go under a river to get to safety. Because it would be hard to get ahead of him. Unless, you already went through the tunnel, just like his niece.
Jault got Sakuya to safety in all the chaos. The governor who led the riot assumed command. But he was not a prime choice for a leader. This made up 1/3 of the population. Sakuya became the leader of second third. To make things worse. A month after the incident. Word got around that July was alive and had control over the majority of his army. And quickly assumed command of his nation, again.
The night after the revolt...
“Excuse me Jault.” She asked her commander if something was wrong? “Could I sleep in your bed tonight? I don't feel safe unless I'm with you.” For the next few years Sakuya slept beside Jault and valued her like a mother or big sister.
My Heaven
-The Talisman of Legend-
By Michael James
Part 1
It's not good enough
The rebellion,
in Thunder territory...
“Hey, you want to spar?” The warrior turned and looked Sakuya in the eye. He would have to decline for now. “What if I made it worth your while?” His friend whom she had sparred with last week, was still was in a coma. “Please.” A new guy who was a big brute walked up to her. He had to almost be her size 3 fold.
“How exactly would you have made it worth his while?” She looked at him saying, a night in bed was the prize. “Oh, well I was hoping for some coin. I hear your the Thunder gods girl. I wouldn't want to get that guy on my back.” Sakuya handed him 27 gold, all the coin she had. “I don't want to rob you either. How about this, if I hold my own I get a higher position.” The other guy told him, she would beat him to a pulp. “We'll see.” Sakuya promised a captain position if he held his own.
A crowd circled them as they entered the ring. He pulled out a giant drum. Storm clouds filled the sky and it started to rain. Sakuya asked his name?
“Minato is my name milady.” She shouted to make the first move! He slammed his hand against his drum 3 times and 3 bolts hit the ground. Followed by turning into hovering yokai masks. Sakuya was more than impressed. She took 9 talismans, spun around in a circle releasing them one at a time. “Shall we?”
Minato beat his drum commanding the masks with percussion. They buzzed around her creating a barrier that even the rain couldn't get through. She pressed her talismans against the inside wall. With a release of power she cracked the barrier, but that was it.
This was not a defeat she could except, and so soon into the match. Her eyes started radiating lightning and she screamed a bloody roar. He smacked his drum harder 12 more times to summon 12 more masks. She went into a depth of power her men never saw before. But before she could strike. He used sleep magic and she dozed off. He was automatically a hero among the rebels. No one had ever beaten her before.
Sakuya woke up in her bed. Jault was sitting next to her bed reading a book. She sat up with a jerk wanting to know who the heck that guy was? Jault told her to be quiet. The army was sleeping. She had her own chamber but it was right next to the barracks.
“Minato, is a man who was betrayed by your uncle July. He trained for years to be a great officer, but July liked his daughter more than him.” What happened? “Don't know that part, but he said you promised him a captain's position?” She did. “I think we should honor that.” Agreed, now where was he? “Asleep.”
The next morning...
“I honor you with the rank of Major. You deserve more than just the Captain rank, maybe one day a General rank. Minato, I would like to spar with you again soon.” On his knee, he vowed to fight for her until the end. “Now then, as a Major you are obligated to customs. In other words, please do something about your scent.”
Days later,
after a battle...
“Minato sir, come drink with us.” He apologized, but needed to see to their dead. “Sure sir.” As he helped bury the dead. He saw Sakuya standing on a hill just looking out on the horizon. He walked up to her asking what was wrong?
“We lost 62 today. We could have made this a clean victory if I had been stronger.” There was 300 vs 500, but July's men were worn down and sloppy. “Jault outdid me again. I want her strength and drive. The sad part is its not good enough.” He might be able to help. “Tell me.” It would wear her out, but she could prepare for battles.
In her room that night...
“These are my different talismans. I don't know any others to write.” He was a little unnerved being alone with her in her room. “Oh stop worrying. Now tell me, how can I make these stronger?” He told her to make 10 of each, and next, this should be done outside.
Part 2
Merging
Out in the valley,
that night...
“Focus your mind and allow the talismans to hover.” Sakuya had them all in front of her in the air. She focused and they started to glow. The talisman was a simple bolt of lightning. She asked what to do next? “Think of them being stronger.” She said she does that each time. “Please follow my instructions.” Okay she would. “Close your eyes and will, the talismans together.” Sakuya started to feel her tail hair getting buzzed. She opened her eyes and saw a new talisman. Merged into being by the original 10. This wasn't the only surprise.
“Hello my disciple” said Raijin from behind her. Sakuya turned and saw Minato on his knee looking at the lightning god. “Disciple Minato, I would like some privacy.” With his head down he stood up and left for the caves. “You are blossoming into a beautiful young woman.” Sakuya felt shame and realized she wasn't on her knee. “Relax, I think of you as unique as far as necessary respect owed. Perhaps one day we may be romantically involved.” Sakuya went redder than a tomato. “Do see me as a lover? I mean if you are not interested...”
“I'm yours.” Raijin smiled asking was she now? “I would be happy to be your concubine, if that's what you wanted.” Raijin shrunk his body to her size and took her hip. Then he felt hesitation on her breath. As he backed away. She grabbed each ear and kissed him. When this occurred, a tremor rocked the land for miles.
“It's been a long time since I kissed like that.” She asked if he wanted to go further. “Further?” Would he like to make love? “I think that day will come, but you have a life to live. Be with other men, and enjoy being young. When I call on you, it will be after that. Now, enough talk of romance, there is a village 1 week travel to the west. You must leave for the village tomorrow morning. You will find a girl there and you must protect her!” She asked if the village was Runda. “Good you know it, now go and get rest, you have a long journey.”
“One question, is Minato here because of you? And if so what is his purpose?” His response was Minato was his will, and he was to help her become greater. “Well then why...” A bolt of lightning hit Raijin and he vanished. It took a minute for her to get herself together. Then she smiled saying, “I kissed a god... YES!”
A week later,
at Runda...
“Find the girl. She has to be here somewhere!” The girl they were looking for was hiding in a hidden room in a dry well. Along with her 2 older sisters.
From the distance...
“Milady I sense two great powers in the burning village. They wont be as easy as half asleep soldiers like we've been fighting lately. Is this truly what you want” asked Jault? Sakuya told her this was a gods desire. They were honor bound to follow. “Minato your with her majesty, along with the 1st unit. 2nd and 3rd units with me. Second wave, wait for the signal to advance... CHARGE!”
“Please don't hurt my children!” The enemy was attacked by her son and he felt it necessary to kill him and his brother. The father pleaded to him to spare them.
“I don't believe in mercy to rebels.” The kitsune smiled and locked eyes with the boy. Out of his eyes came lightning that snatched his soul. Then sucked it into his eyes. Soldiers came to him saying there were rebels on their way here. “Well, we will just have to greet them with our special welcome. Get Crows to stop messing around and meet our enemy.” He saluted Caws and went to tell the brother.
Upon the clash...
Crows sent lightning at the ground beneath them causing explosions. Minato shielded most of them and Caws stepped forth. He took a bow and shot it right into the heart of the enemy and caused paralysis. Jault rushed the two of them with her thunder beast form. Sakuya threw a merged talisman at Caws and he flew back into a building.
Crows targeted her because of what she did, but Jault was on him. She collided with Crows and hit him hard. Sakuya was focused on saving the people. She rode past Caws and focused on the soldiers. She threw 2 more talismans into the masses. The bang sent them flying away from the captured people.
Part 3
Another July
In the well...
“Please milady July you must stay hidden.” She shouted she wanted her mama! “Your mother is fighting to keep you alive. Rushing out to help her would be useless and dangerous!”
“Hey! Whose down there?” July went deathly silent in fear. You better come up here or I'll drop smoke down there. July's friends told her to stay quiet. They climbed the rope to the top. The soldier put his dagger into one of them and her body fell down the well. July screamed her friends name in panic. “I knew there was another girl. Come up or I'll kill your other friend.” July started climbing the rope, but heard battle above. When she reached the top Sakuya was there.
“You're another July aren't you?” She asked who she was. “My name is Sakuya milady. I need to get you out of here immediately.” She wanted her mama! “You are more important milady.
“I'm ordering you to save my mama!” Where was her mother and what did she look like? “My mama is with my brother. She has green flowers in her hair. Sakuya told July to stay at her hip. As they ran into the village, Sakuya saw Caws in her path.
“Thank you for finding the girl for me. I'll be taking her off your hands if you don't mind.” Sakuya pulled out a talisman that was pulsing with power. She told Caws to back off. “I'll wager you don't know how to use the power your wielding.”
“Can you afford to take that chance?” Caws reached for his bow and Sakuya hit him hard. A bolt of lightning went strait through his body. Right where his heart would be.
Crows saw her kill his brother and it put him in a rage. The ground beneath them was struck and blew up. Sakuya grabbed July close to her. When the blast cleared they were untouched. Minato protected them with a shield from a far.
“I'm certainly glad that worked the way I thought it would.” Jault got between Crows and them in her beast form. Crows screamed traitor to her. Jault used a breath attack hitting him with bolts and Crows deflected it at first. But it was consistent and he was being pushed back. Jault decided to up her juice and doubled her attack power.
Crows couldn't take the attack any longer. His body turned to a bolt and he vanished. Jault then looked at the girls starting to ask if Sakuya was okay. When she saw July, she bowed her head.
“MAMA!” Sakuya looked towards the mother rushing to her girl. Minato ran to them as well. Saying another wave of soldiers were coming. They needed to flee, and now!
In the mountain range...
“They are no longer following milady.” Sakuya told them to head back to the base. They were going to hold out here until the pressure wore off a bit. “Very good Milady.” When their force had departed Jault looked at the mother. Wanting to know what she was thinking when she named her daughter July.
“I wanted that tyrant to be removed from power!” Jault started frantically asking questions in a harsh tone. Why weren't they in hiding, didn't they know this and that? Did she think this would go unnoticed? Finally Sakuya slammed her hand on the table.
“Jault enough, you are upsetting our new empress by harassing her mother. Lady July, I want to relocate you in Mountain territory for the time being. I have loyal friends that are watching over refugees. That are mostly young women hiding from my uncle.”
“That is most generous, however I just want you to send my mother and brother. I wish to remain with you and spear head your movement.” Sakuya didn't hesitate to agree to those terms. The mother said she wasn't going to leave her girl with rebels! “Mother we knew this day would come eventually. I promise to come visit.”
When Mountain took her kin away. Sakuya offered her lady her fur blankets to sleep on. July ignored that gesture and asked about the legendary talisman she used?
“I wouldn't call them legendary, their just merged talismans.” She begged to differ, a lightning bolt that can bore through a Thunder kitsune. Is nothing less than legendary.
“Milady's, I would see you get some sleep. My bedroll is at your disposal. I want the two of you to sleep well. We have a long journey ahead of us” Jault explained. July told Sakuya she wanted her close while she slept. It would put her at ease.
“Okay I'll sleep next to you milady” Sakuya agreed.
My Heaven
-July's Fury Storm-
By Michael James
Part 1
Your divine right
After a battle,
in a rebel camp...
“Did you get enough to eat my queen? We have plenty of stew in the pot.” Little July was sitting by a fire with her soldiers. She had 3 bodyguards watching for her safety. July took a second helping feeling like the food should go to her men, but she was hungry. The soldier across from her by the fire asked if she wanted sport?
“No, I don't want you guys beating the hell out of each other right now.” He wanted to impress her with his skills, but understood no. “Where is Vicious?” One guy told her he was in her tent, did she want him retrieved? “I think I'll turn in for the night. I want to sleep with my Vicious.” July stood up and everyone stood up. She walked to her tent and cuddled with Vicious. Who was her divine guardian 9 tail thunder fox. Also he was big enough to keep a grown woman comfortable.
“You seem troubled milady” the fox spoke. July cuddled into his belly fur and he kept her warm with his tails. July fell asleep in moments all comfortable and such.
In the morning...
July exited her tent with a yawn to go to the river. Jault followed her and asked if she slept alright? She smiled and said having a huge divine being to cuddle with. Was much better than any comfort, a feather mattress could bring.
“Jault, about our plans to take the checkpoint tonight. Do we really need to kill all those soldiers? Its a 2 week walk around the mountain. Couldn't we...”
“Its your call milady, but I'll remind you if we take the checkpoint. We will be saving the lives of many more than if we journeyed around.” July splashed water into her face. Telling her general this war was pointless. All because some moron was in power. “No arguments there milady.” July asked Jault to show her, her back again.
Jault had been severely beaten as a reward for her military service. In service to king July. The young queen provided treatment to her injuries. By now the scars had almost faded to nothing. Jault was hers the moment she was discovered, but this won her heart over. July's mother was killed a while ago and the queen adopted her as a mother.
“Where is sister Sakuya?”
“I believe she is with the morning surveyor party. She should be back soon, did you want to see her for breakfast?” July answered that would be nice.
Off in the mountains,
as they ran...
“Lady Sakuya, I see something.” She stopped running and took cover with her men. All of them saw a patrol of 200 enemy soldiers marching down the treeline. “We have taken on more than this with just us before.” Sakuya told them that they would take them out. This was just the morning brisk she wanted.
As the enemy,
reached a clearing...
“AMBUSH!” Sakuya led her soldiers at the 200 and it started off well. Until the enemy used pulses to immobilize the rebels. Sakuya's unit was rendered paralyzed. Sakuya was caught now, and she couldn't do anything about it.
At the checkpoint fort,
minutes later...
“Execute them, wait... bring her to me.” Sakuya was brought to the captain. “Well well, I didn't expect to catch the kings niece. Messenger send word to his majesty. Tell him I want the bounty on her head.” As the messenger took off, the captain looked at Sakuya licking his lips. “Tie her up and put her in my cabin.”
“You are a Katakirauwa!” He smacked her across the face saying he'll show her what pigs do their women, for sure...
Part 2
In the siege
At Queen July's camp,
by evening...
“Your majesty, please come with me.” A soldier said as she approached her tents entrance. July walked out of her tent and followed her soldier to Jault's tent.
“Did Sakuya come back?!”
“No, we received word from an enemy messenger. He came to us saying they will kill Sakuya if we don't give back the land we took.” July looked to the ground and then to Jault. She told them they would attack the checkpoint at dusk. “You heard her, prepare our forces.” After all the rebels left Jault's tent. July said she would assist however she could. “When it comes time for the advance. You giving a speech will help us a great deal.” July asked if she could join the assault? “I would strongly be against that milady.”
In the captain's quarters,
right at dusk...
“Hello dinner.” Sakuya was tied down and could not get herself free. She hadn't broken yet. Fidgeting and fighting to get free before he had his fun.
“You son of a bitc... How dare you think of doing this to my woman!” The captain backed away after he heard the gods voice. Sakuya called out to Raijin after hearing it as well. A bolt of lightning put a hole in the roof and put a hole through him.
“I'm your woman?” Raijin appeared from the lightning bolt. Asking her if she approved? “Are you kidding, I'm yours. Now could you possibly uncuff me. Soldiers knocked on the door wanting to hear their captains voice. Raijin used telekinesis to get her free and said it was up to her. Sakuya got dressed in her old clothes and found her talismans. After the next knock she would attack.
“Alert! The enemy is attacking the east passage gate.” She heard a lot of them run out of the hall away from the door. “Captain, have your fun with her later we need your skills! Captain?” Sakuya splintered the door with her attack and killed the guy on the other side.
At the east gate...
“A beast is breaking down the door. Men brace the gate the best you can!” Jault who was the beast was hitting it with her body real hard. She could put half a ton into a hit with her size and speed. And with that force she could bust through any gate she wanted. “Archers, riffle men, take aim and fire!”
Behind Jault was her rebel army, they were firing at the soldiers up top. Who were trying to bring Jault down. With one more hit she broke down the gate. Rebels came through in a siege. Jault fell to the ground with arrows in her back. Medics attended to her after she turned into a kitsune again. As they got the arrows out and healed her injuries. The rebels were faced with a new threat. A fire kitsune mercenary was making sport of them. He had created walls of fire that moved at his will.
“I cant rest now, I need to help.” Jault sat up and tried to stand opening up her injuries. The mercenary looked at her and smiled. He was about to send a line of fire right at her. Then Sakuya hit him with a powerful spell. It hurt him a great deal but didn't break skin.
“I thought you were entertaining the captain, pipsqueak.” She was engulfed in lightning and she hovered from the 3rd story to ground level. She was not pleased being called a pipsqueak. “Well, isn't this a treat.” He took out talismans with fire spells. The fighting continued around them, but there was a gap.
“What do I call you” Sakuya asked with intrigue? She should call him Kaen. “My uncle must be real desperate to afford you.” He asked her to not stand on ceremony. “Forgive me!” She threw a talisman and he threw a talisman. They hit with the force of large bombs and canceled each other with equal force.
“I underestimated you pipsqueak. I didn't know you could match my strength. A word of warning, their captain called for reinforcements. I recommend you withdraw.” Sakuya asked him if he thought this fight was done? “I want to face you again when its an even fight.” How many were coming? “Some thousands, and they will be bringing powerful mages with them.”
Sakuya saw truth in his eyes and shot a retreat signal into the air. Jault was confused as to why they would retreat, but Sakuya outranked her. The rebels got out of the fort pretty fast. Kaen watched as Sakuya helped Jault get to safety.
22 minutes later, reinforcements arrived.
Part 3
Down by the river
In the forts office,
with the new captain...
“You want to tell me why you let the army escape Kaen?” He confessed it amused him, that was his only reason. “Now listen here you stupid little...” Kaen then whistled and scorched the captain's forehead. The soldiers in the room drew their weapons. Kaen pulled out 3 talismans just as fast. Spells that could kill everyone in the room but him. “Stand down men!” As they put their swords back in the sheaths. The captain put a bag of coin on the desk. “Kaen, your services are no longer required.” He smiled taking the bag with his full pay and walked out.
“We could have killed him captain, why did you do that?” Because Kaen could have killed them all and he didn't want to die. Now they needed to plan their retaliation strategy.
Far from the fort,
bathing in the river...
“Oh this feels so good. The water is cold and refreshing.” Sakuya said pouring a pitcher of water down her back. As she was filling the pitcher again she saw Kaen looking at her from the shore. She didn't have her talismans and she was bare.
“Well, are you going to gock at me or kill me?” Kaen asked if he could join her? “No! Why would I want to bathe with my enemy?” He had information for her about their enemies weaknesses. “Turn around and let me get dressed.”
“I already got a look at the goods whats wrong with looking at them a bit longer?” She told him to turn his as... around. She got to the shore on the other end of the river. When she was dressed she told him to cross the river. He hovered over the water touched down a foot away from her. “You know for a girl your size you got nice...”
Sakuya slapped him asking “now why should I trust any information you give me?” He had reason for getting back at the employer that fired him a couple hours ago. “That is the biggest crock of shi... You could be lying through your teeth right now for all I know. What could you possibly gain by betraying your employers?”
“Well it would seriously pis... them off for one thing. For another I want you.” Sakuya stepped back telling him she already had a lover. “Right, well if it doesn't work out, you can always look me up.” Sakuya was disgusted with this guy and what he said.
“Turn around...” What, why? “I'm going to frisk and cuff you. If you want to sell us information, its the only way I'm bringing you in my camp.” Kaen turned around and felt her hand on his hips. His clothing was real thin and he couldn't help but tell her. That she had very nice warm hands. “I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.”
At the camp,
by midday...
“Sakuya! Who is this?” July asked with worry as she approached. Sakuya told the guy to get on his knee, for the queen. “Sakuya, I told you we would be talking after your bath. Please come with me.” She told her queen that he had information for them. “Minato, take him to be interrogated, Sakuya come with me.”
Sakuya knew she was going to get scolded and was trying to get out of it. But July had done this dance with her one to many times. She followed her queen to her tent and was offered good tea. As the two girls sat down July started to lay into her about attacking on her patrol. She was told several times now to not be so aggressive...
In a cell...
“I don't think kindly of being treated like a prisoner.” Jault walked up to the cage asking exactly what he had to tell them? “Fine! I was fired from the kings men and I want to retaliate. 1,000 soldiers and a few experienced mages are at the checkpoint fort. 2,000 more are making their way around the mountain pass. With the 1,000 is a captain prodigy. He was chosen for the soul task of killing you lady Jault, there...”
“What is this captains name?” Jault asked with interest. Tomoki. Minato saw a worried expression on Jault's face he asked if she was okay? “No Minato, I am not okay. Tomoki is a thunder dragon. A green eyed force of nature I cant beat.”
“Now then about the other information I have. Which will come at a price” Kaen said in a sly tone. Jault told them to tie him to a pole and keep a constant eye on him. “Hey, what gives?”
“You can not be trusted, if what you say is true we will compensate you. If you are lying for the enemy, we will execute you. Do not resist or we will kill you now.”
Part 4
3 major powers
At the fort...
“The king actually told you to come all this way. Just to remind me that my people's lives are on the line?” The messenger who was scared to death of Tomoki just nodded yes.
A lesser ranked soldier who was in charge of Tomoki. Was in the office with them. He told the messenger to leave. He needed to have a word with his superior. When the messenger had left and it was just the two of them in the room. Tomoki grabbed the other guy by neck. His hand turned into a dragon claw.
“Don't you dare mock me, not again!”
“You know what will happen if I don't give the king a good report.” Tomoki's mouth flooded with lightning. His hand built up a charge and the smug guy started feeling fear.
“This king of ours took my small village of dragons and forced me into this. I will kill my targets I assure you. But your threats end right here, right now!” Tomoki said with thunder crackling in his voice. His guy told him of course, as long as he served there was no problem. As soon as he agreed the desk he was pressed against split under the pressure.
He released the officer and called out to the guards. He needed to talk with the other officers stationed here. When they arrived he told 2 of the 5 to prepare for an attack.
In July's tent...
“Vicious, what's wrong?” He woke her up jerking his head up. He told her to sound the alarm. A dragon was coming their way. “What do you mean a dragon?!” Sound the alarm!
July ran out of her tent and told her bodyguards to wake the rebels with the alarm. She looked towards the mountains where the fort would be. A serpent dragon was flying their way. July shouted for her 3 generals to hear, ON ME! Sakuya ran to her as did Minato. Jault was still injured from the last battle.
“Lady July doesn't need to be here. Get her on a horse and take as far as you can Minato.” He didn't argue, Minato picked July up in a princess carry. He got her on a horse and sent her away. The dragon saw July and knew this would be an easy win if she wasn't with her army. By the time he reached the army July was to far to save. He flew over the rebels and went right for the leader. “NO!” Sakuya screamed in terror.
“Milady, jump off the horse and hide yourself.” July didn't respond, her whole mentality was in a zone. The horse stopped on their own and bucked them off. The guy with July on her horse shielded her from the fall with his body. “Milady please go and hide!” July put her hand towards the dragon in the sky. “What are you doing!?” July spoke an old tongue they didn't understand. Then her entire body became illuminated and lightning shot from her in random directions.
“She is a kid, that bastard sent me to kill a child.” Tomoki was appalled at his assignment. He was certain she would be a teenager at least. But there was no going back now. He summoned a breath attack of lightning and shot it like a beam at her. July put her hand towards the oncoming attack. Her body absorbed it like a sponge with water. Also there was a huge bang in the moment.
Back at the army...
“Princess Sakuya, the kings army is almost upon us. We cant worry about our queen now!” Sakuya wanted to go after the dragon but, 3,000 soldiers were coming to their position.
“When this is over I will take my own life for failing her.” Sakuya said softly and turned to fight. She got in front of her army and took out her most powerful talismans. She had 3 of them and it took a lot out of her to make them. She threw them into the center of the army. And when they went off it the spells were cancled.
Another talisman flew over the armies head and created a wall of fire. Kaen shouted to all of them to retreat. Sakuya wanted to know how he got out of his cell. But this was for another time. She ordered a retreat and made her way to him.
While this happened...
Tomoki had set down on the ground in front of July. He saw her inner power was worthy only of a Kitsune leader. His body turned to his kitsune form and explained he needed to die. If they didn't kill him his village would be destroyed.
Part 5
July's true power
As Tomoki knelled,
to be beheaded...
July put her hand on his head and he passed out. “Vicious, watch over him.” July put her hands strait up, lightning and thunder radiated from her body. The sound was deafening and the loose bolts caused her men slight pain. Her bolts traveled into the sky and created a storm. She started talking in the old tongue again. By now her rebel army was almost upon her. Followed quickly by the enemy.
July started to levitate a few feet off the ground. Her voice could be heard by both forces clear as day. She told everyone to lay down their weapons and knell. Those who followed these instruction would not be harmed. The rebels all got on their knees and some enemies did the same. Kaen even got on the ground in respect.
“Those who defy me, be at peace when you meet death.” Sakuya's lightning that hit them earlier was strong, but July's carried greater volume. It started to hit with the same yield as Sakuya's, 20 fold. Explosions occurred where the bolts from the storm hit. When no one was left who defied her. July descended slowly and passed out.
When she woke up...
“Oh lord, by the Inari's soul, you're actually alive!” Sakuya whimpered in tears. July tried to sit up but didn't have the strength. She realized she was in the checkpoint fortress in a privet bedroom. She whispered for some water. Sakuya got a glass, held her up and let her drink.
“Where is Jault?” She asked softly. She was in with the medics who were tending to those who were injured. “And where is the dragon?” Tomoki is in a cell waiting for her to have him executed. “Summon him.” Sakuya looked at her wanting to know why, but she didn't ask. Not after what happened last night.
Tomoki was brought to her in irons. When he was brought in, July told them to unchain him. There was questioning from everyone. She said she was not in the mood for this, unbind him. When he was set free, July ordered her soldiers out, now!
“May I ask what you are thinking my queen?”
“Your village Dul Sumar, is it in the mountain in the north of Thunder's lands?” He didn't seem threatened by her. He said yes it was in the most northern point. On the boarder of Mountain territory. Why was she asking? “I have heard so many wonderful stories of your people. My next move will be freeing them from the evil king.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Does she need to give you a reason” Sakuya snapped in anger? July asked Sakuya to help her get out of bed. “Milady, you are in your underwear.” July's face went really red and told her forget about that then. Tomoki closed his eyes the moment she showed to much sitting up. He asked her to let him know when to open his eyes.
“You may open them.” Tomoki looked at her under the blankets. She asked him how old he was? He was 41 years old, why? “You are only a few years older than me?”
“Milady what is happening right now!” Sakuya asked raising her voice. July confessed she wanted him as a husband. Tomoki completely fell apart after hearing those words. July asked if he was promised to anyone yet? He didn't really have a betrothed as of yet. Did he not find her appealing? No, he thought she was beautiful.
“But I tried to kill you last night!”
“Your majesty may I speak with you alone for a minute?” Sakuya asked raising her eyebrows. July said she always wanted to marry a man from Dul Sumar. “Your majesty, if you would please...” Enough! July told her to respect her wishes.
“After all I haven't even gotten an answer from the guy yet.” Tomoki agreed to her proposal and said he would bare her mark. “Excellent, Sakuya will you take him to get bathed.” Tomoki didn't deny smelling worse than stinkeye yokai. Sakuya did as she was told and as July laid back down and she fell asleep.
That night...
Jault was with July by a fire and wanted a word. July asked if this was about her choice in men? She embraced the little one in a hug. Telling yes and no.
“I think that the dragon clan would make invaluable allies. Also he is a good match for you. That being said, don't be quick to ignore your council's advice when it comes to these matters. Sakuya was hurt when you brushed her off earlier. She thinks you were blinded by infatuation when presented with a valid point.”
“Understood.”
“May I have this dance” Tomoki asked gentlemanly as he approached slowly. July took his hand and they danced in front of everyone...