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| A Panda's Journey To Enlightenment Part 4: The Crimson Sun Posted by: Tengu-San at 04-30-2015 02:23 AM, Last Modified 04-30-2015 03:07 AM |
Tengu rested for a few days within the town, managing to find some shelter saved from the chaos that enveloped the town. Afterward, he set out on foot to his next destination, The Floating Temple. He knew he'd be able to make contact with the Angelic Holy Priestess and the Demonic High Priestess there. The Noh Stage was considered sacred ground, and was forbidden to be occupied by anyone not of the Hado Clan.
Meanwhile, The Demonic High Priestess and the Angelic Holy Priestess spoke with the Grand Wizard of Ascension. "Please sire, he is alone, he knows not of the evil that is coming to end his bloodline. We must aid him in his desperate hour.", the Holy Priestess pleaded. The High Priestess chimed in, "Your Grace, it is well known between us three of Tengu-San's great power. We cannot allow him to perish against the darkness coming for him." The old deity pondered for a while. As he gazed down from his great throne, he began to stroke his long, white beard in deep concentration. Could he really jeopardize the safety of neutrality that has protected his kingdom for so long, for one mortal? Was Tengu that important? He knew of Tengu's significance, but was he significant enough to risk open war? "I will consider your request, but know this, we must think of our realm's security before we think of Tengu and his quest. For what will we be, if this darkness turns it's sight to us?", the old being said. The two bowed and nodded in agreement. They left, to ponder on what they would do, should they be able to help Tengu.
For the next three days, he walked through the mountains of Hokkaido, evading rogue samurai and bandits alike. He was in no condition to fight. Sure he was mobile, but he was also still recovering from his wounds. On the night of the third day, he reached the shores of the island, where the temple was located. The smell of the ocean air overwhelmed Tengu with relief, but it was to be short lived. As he approached, he noticed movement within the temples entrance. Samurai clad in the same armor Tojaro wore patrolled the front, sides, and back entrance of the temple. They had annexed it in anticipation of Tengu's arrival.
Not having any choice, he drew Nightshade, and said a prayer, asking forgiveness for the desecration he was about to commit. He rushed the two guards in the front entrance, delivering a diagonal slash through the torso to the one, and decapitating the other. They didn't even have a chance to scream. They were dead before they knew what hit them. Tengu was disgusted with himself. Their corrupt blood had blemished the beauty of this holy ground. As he entered, a female tiger dropped down, naginata in hand. "So, I see you've made it this far, young panda. It's a shame you must die here, but I digress, at least you'll be with your ancestors soon!", she yelled, charging him. Tengu's sword clashed with the blade of the staff, causing both to recoil away from each other. "You will pay for your dishonor to my family, with your life, foul tigress.", spat Tengu. They circled each other for a moment, then the tiger pounced in on Tengu once more. Gaining the jump on him, her staff stabbed at his armor. The armor's natural defense managed to repel any physical harm, but left Tengu drained of energy temporarily. She jumped up, and kicked Tengu in the face, breaking his nose. "Hmph. Some samurai you are, boy", she taunted. As she was about to deliver a killing blow to his neck, Tengu lifted his paw in front of the staff, and repelled the tiger with his Wind Ki. He stood once more, gaining a solid footing, and stormed the disoriented tiger. He drew the katana back and gave a downward slash, but was too late. The tiger gave Tengu a spinning back kick to the gut, and a claw across the left cheek. She jumped behind Tengu, assuring her victory. As she prepared to stab Tengu point blank, he stabbed through his own body, stabbing the tiger in the process. "No-....No..You will not live to see the sunrise, you disgrace of a tiger. Bow before my---bow before my power", Tengu heaved, pulling the blade out. The tiger slumped over, dead.
Tengu convulsed some blood, but pushed on. As he limped toward the Noh Stage, a few guards came toward him, running and screaming. Their blades drawn, Tengu didn't have much time to react. He closed his eyes, prepared for the end. When they approached him, the young wolf and his bobcat companion stood there, dumbfounded. They seen him, mortally wounded, but still standing. "You dare dishonor me like this?! Merely standing there, denying my proper end?!", Tengu exclaimed. The two confused samurai fell dead moments later, Tengu slashing through them both. He was getting weaker by the moment, losing more and more blood. He had to push on. He had to fight through the loss of blood and his degrading mental state.
He approached the stage finally. He knelt before, and began a summoning chant of the two Priestesses. They appeared before him, soothing his wounds. "Tengu, a growing darkness comes for you. We may not be able to protect you, but you must face this evil. Your land, your bloodline, your survival depends on it. This evil corrupted the Order you once served, and had your clan slain. Go to the Crystal Cavern. He will be waiting for you there.", the High Priestess said. As the Angelic Holy Priestess healed Tengu, the Demonic High Priestess bestowed an untapped power within Nightshade. An aura overcame the katana, and was absorbed into the blade. The two disappeared just as quickly as they came.
Tengu stood, and left the temple almost immediately. Upon his exit, one more samurai stood before him. "You shall not leave here, panda. You shall kneel before my power.", the samurai said. He was clad in the same armor as the others, but he was masked with an oni kabuto. He drew his blade, and motioned for Tengu to do the same. He drew his blade instantly and responded, "You will not stop me, warrior. But if you challenge me, then I will accept. My business is within the Crystal Cavern. Step aside, or I will have to kill you." The samurai laughed evily for a moment, then slowly approached Tengu. He lunged toward him, punching the panda in the jaw, then delivering a slash across his armor. Tengu recovered, and dealt a blow to the torso, but was deflected and parried with a slash to the shins. Tengu decided to sheath his blade and wait. The enemy was confused, but began to swing toward him. Tengu drew his blade just in time, blocking the attack, then horizontally cutting across the samurai's neck. As he gasp for his final breaths of air, Tengu washed the blood off his katana. "Your blood was not worthy of my blade, you arrogant fool. May you burn in hell with the others.", Tengu stated firmly, then walked on into the sunrise. It's crimson glory overcoming his figure....... |
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