Legend of Glory

Legend of Glory

--

Ten: Behind the Waterfall

--

Seto entered his home quietly, checking around for Raiki. The maiden appeared to not be in yet, giving Seto a bit of relief. Sighing, he closed the door behind him and made his way for Mokuba’s room.

--

Mokuba lie on his side, resting peacefully. Only his lower half was covered by a soft blanket, making Seto smile at the sight. It was a smile only for Mokuba. No others got the courtesy of seeing it.

As quiet as possible, Seto moved to the left of the bed, taking hold of the soft blanket. He gently pulled it forward, giving Mokuba’s upper half some warmth. After doing so, Seto gently brushed at his brother’s hair. The young boy sighed in his sleep, his body delighted by Seto’s soft touch.

Satisfied, Seto turned to leave, but a soft, “Seto?” made him turn. He stared, watching Mokuba sit up. The boy tiredly rubbed at his eyes, wearily concerned by his older brother’s presence.

“Go back to sleep, Mokuba,” Seto spoke, trying best to avoid conversation at that time. “The sun has not fully risen.”

“Seto, where were you?” Mokuba frowned, now more awake. “Raiki and I were both really worried! I--I waited for you, and you never came home yesterday evening! W--where…”

Quickly, Seto sat beside his brother. Mokuba had begun crying. Seto disliked seeing tears leave those adorable dark eyes. “Shh, everything is fine, Mokuba.” Seto wiped his brother’s tears, and hugged Mokuba tightly. “I am sorry. I fell asleep in the forests, but I am unharmed. I am here.”

“I--I was so scared,” Mokuba whispered. His tears were slowly disappearing, but a sudden hiccup indicated he was fighting more from escaping.

“I’m sorry,” Seto again apologized. He really was. After his curious evening with Katsuya, he had not meant to fall asleep for so long. The sleep, however, was quite lovely. It was as if the forests very nature magically forced him to sleep. Seto knew to think such a thought was silly. The forests weren’t enchanted.

Were they?

“Listen,” Seto smiled, “How about I take today off? You and I can have a fun day all to ourselves.”

At hearing this, Mokuba’s sadness became happiness. His face gleamed. “Really?”

“Yes,” Seto nodded. “I could use a break from work.”

“B--but what about Gozaburo?” Mokuba asked. “Won’t he be mad?”

“Puh,” snorted Seto. He shook his head, smirking at Mokuba. “He does not scare me.”

“He does me,” Mokuba said, causing Seto to chuckle.

Standing, Seto forced Mokuba to lie back down. He pulled the covers back over his brother, making sure that Mokuba was snug. “Sleep a while longer, Mokuba. I shall wake you in an hour or so, and then we shall start a day of fun.”

Smiling, Mokuba got comfortable. He closed his eyes, looking forward to the day ahead.

--

Upon exiting his brother’s room, Seto thought of Katsuya. Seto would not be showing up that day, due to his promise made to Mokuba. Frowning, Seto walked over to a window, and peered out. He already saw villagers walking about, doing their daily routines.

And exactly what was his routine? He’d wake up, then eat breakfast with Mokuba and Raiki. After doing so, he’d walk with Mokuba down the village path, and give Blue Eyes a morning visit. He’d then drop Mokuba off at the tutor before going to Gozaburo’s to study and work. Work would pass, long and boring. Seto would drift, but more often than he used to. Ever since meeting Katsuya, he’d beg for hours to become minutes, minutes to become seconds. And finally, as afternoon would come, Seto would take off on Blue Eyes into the Forests of Kimo, where he’d anxiously await Katsuya’s arrival.

Yes.

It was a nice routine.

That day, it would be different. That day, Seto would spend time with Mokuba. He’ll spend time with Mokuba during breakfast, like usual. He and Mokuba will give Blue Eyes her morning visit, as usual. After that, everything will be different. They’ll take a day off. No studies. No work.

No Katsuya.

Huffing, Seto sat, and opened one of many spell books he was studying. As he began to read, he could only hope that Katsuya would forgive him for not showing that day.

Surely Katsuya would forgive him.

--

Little villagers were out when Katsuya arrived back at the village. Though few, most stared at him as Flame walked him in. Avoiding eye contact, Katsuya came to his own home, not noticing his mother peeking at him from behind a hanging skin, it decorated as a fine curtain for the small widow.

Shaking her head, Nana closed the curtain, and waited for her son to enter.

Undoing Flame’s reins, Katsuya patted his companion before watching Flame flee into the forests to hunt. Smiling, Katsuya sat the reins on the ground before entering the hut. Immediately when he entered, Katsuya was greeted by his mother’s fiery, worrisome face.

“Where the hell have you been?” Nana asked, full of despair and sorrow. “How could you just upright disappear for the whole night? Do you know how worried I was? How worried we all were?”

Katsuya did not answer. He lowered his head, wishing his mother would just let him be.

“Why did you leave?” Nana continued, trying to gain some attention from her son. “And why right after your sister was passed over to Hiroto? Is that it? Is that why you left?” Nana saw. She saw Katsuya shiver at hearing of Hiroto and Shizuka’s special time. “Katsuya, I wish you would talk to me.”

Licking his lips, Katsuya lifted his head, looking towards his mother. “W--where is Shizuka?”

“She is with Hiroto,” Nana answered, sensing Katsuya’s troubled volume. “She and Hiroto are borrowing Chief Mandook’s special hut before they begin to construct their own home. Hiroto, his father, and your father are going to work on it. I am sure Hiroto would love for you to join.”

“O--of course I will,” Katsuya said. His words were truthful. And he knew he had done wrong. He nodded. “I--I will…”

“I am glad to hear that,” Nana spoke, brushing back her hair. “Well, now that I know my son is safe, I am going to try and sleep a bit longer. I have not slept well since your disappearance.”

“I’m sorry,” Katsuya finally replied. “I--I went into the forests and fell asleep. I did not mean to worry everyone.”

“The forests?” Nana frowned. “Katsuya, those forests are dangerous. You could’ve…” Nana took a deep breath, trying to keep relaxed. Shaking her head, she whispered, “Nevermind. You are hear, and you are safe. Just, promise me you will be more careful?”

“I will,” Katsuya nodded.

“Now,” Nana smiled, “I had spoken with Chief Mandook after you left yesterday. He wishes to speak with you later today, after we serve ourselves to our morning meal.”

‘Damn it!’ Katsuya grumbled in his head.

“And afterwards,” Nana continued on, “You will help build Shizuka and Hiroto a wonderful hut. I do not want to hear any complaints.”

“T--this afternoon?” asked Katsuya.

“Of course this afternoon,” Nana sighed. “I’m going back to bed.”

After his mother left, Katsuya lightly punched the wall.

Why?

Why that afternoon?

He was busy! He--he had plans. He was supposed to meet with Seto. He frowned. Could he try sneaking out a second time?

“N--no,” Katsuya sighed. “I can’t do that! I--I don’t want them hating me.” Forming a fist, Katsuya took a seat on the ground. “Seto will understand! I--I know he will. H--he will…”

“Won’t he?’

--

Two men did good. Two men kept promises they had made. While Katsuya made up with Hiroto, Seto took Mokuba out for fun. As Katsuya helped build Hiroto and Shizuka a wonderful home, Seto ate lunch with Mokuba and played fun games. Their days had not been bad, but though they were forgiven by their families, both were more concerned of being forgiven by the other.

The next day came swiftly, and afternoon just as fast.

Seto eagerly awaited Katsuya’s appearance. He sat uncomfortably before the waterfall, keeping his eyes focused on the brushes where Katsuya normally showed his face. He did well at keeping a calm posture, though inside he was trembling wildly as leaves in the wind. Soon, his ears hear the crunching of forest floor, and he watched as Katsuya immerged through the trees.

Katsuya walked slowly, trying to think of the best way to apologize to Seto. He was very nervous, but as nervous as he was, he was more frightened thinking that Seto would be angry with him. He heard the waterfall’s drumming, and soon pushed through bush branches before entering the clearing. He saw Seto stand, and stare.

Taking a deep breath, both men walked towards the other, both hearts rapidly beating. Soon, they stood before one another, only inches away.

“S--Seto…” Katsuya muttered.

“Katsuya…” Seto did the same.

They lower their heads, almost bowing at the other, and together they shout, “I’m sorry!” And together, they both rose their heads, staring shocked and confused. “What?”

“Why are you sorry?” Seto asked.

“W--why?” Katsuya stared on befuddled. “B--because I didn’t show yesterday.”

“What?” Seto tilted his head, and suddenly he found himself smirking. “You didn’t show up yesterday?”

“No, I didn’t,” Katsuya shouted apologetically. “Please let me explain! Ya see, I was helping my father and Hiroto build a hut, a hut for him and Shizuka, and…” Katsuya would’ve continued, but Seto’s sudden outburst made him pause. He looked up, wondering what Seto found so hilarious.

“Just stop talking,” grinned Seto. “And stop apologizing. I was not here yesterday, either.”

“Oh,” Katsuya mumbled. But then, he stared up at Seto with surprise. “What? Ya weren’t here? Why!”

“Ugh, if you must know,” Seto began, “I took the day off to spend time with Mokuba. He had been very worried when I did not show up the evening before.”

“I--I see,” Katsuya whispered, looking down.

The two stayed quiet, but only momentarily. Seto crossed his arms, and sighed loudly. “Mm…it would seem we both care too damn much about our families. But why shouldn’t we? They are of our blood. You and I, we are not related. Why should we apologize?” Seto paused, taking in what he had just said. Did he mean those words? He saw the affliction of sorrow in Katsuya’s expression. Had he upset the mutt? “We should not have to…” He stopped, turning his attention on the waterfall.

“I--I guess,” Katsuya replied, not understanding Seto at all. After all, they had just shared a wonderful evening when last they greeted each other. Should they truly not apologize? Did they mean nothing to each other?

Did Katsuya mean nothing to Seto?

Pouting, Katsuya calmly whispered, “Seto, I…” just as the earth began to shake.

Shrieking, Katsuya was covered over by Seto. The earth beneath them trembled viciously, howling and trying hard to make Seto and Katsuya fall off balance.

“Ah! What’s happening?” Katsuya cried out as he and Seto fell to the ground. Katsuya could not see, due to Seto hovering over him, keeping him protected. Katsuya dare not ponder why Seto kept him safe. He accepted it as nothing more but a natural human offering as the shaking began quieting down.

Soon, the earth ceased trembling. Everything went quiet. The only noise came from Seto and Katsuya’s heavy breaths.

“W--what happened?” Katsuya again complied, though not in a scream. He opened his eyes, staring up to find Seto not looking at him. Seto’s face was firm, untraceable. “Seto?”

“Look,” Seto swiftly said.

“Huh?” Katsuya turned his head to see what Seto saw, and the sight made his heart double beat.

The waterfall had split into two, traveling down the sides of something that had not been there before.

A cave.

“What the hell,” Katsuya gasped. “Where did that come from?”

“I don’t know,” Seto answered, standing to his feet. He held out a hand, helping Katsuya up. The two stared at the cave, it large, damp, and creepy. “Come on.”

Katsuya stared, watching bewildered as Seto began to walk towards the open cave. “W--what?”

“Come on,” Seto repeated. “Let’s check it out.”

Seto began climbing the rocks, doing so carefully. The rocks were slippery. As he made it to the top of the largest, he turned, staring down at Katsuya. He saw that the mutt was uncertain. “Are you coming?”

“I--I,” Katsuya hesitated. Fiddling with his fingers, he groaned. “What if there’s another spider in there just waiting to gobble us up?”

“Only one way to find out,” smirked Seto. Watching Katsuya not budge, Seto sighed and shook his head. “Fine. If you’re going to be a frightened little pup, then don’t come.” And with that said, Seto continued to move up the rocks, making his way closer towards the cave’s entrance.

“I’m not afraid,” argued Katsuya. Rubbing his arms, he watched Seto step in front of the cave. Turning his head to look behind him, Katsuya mumbled, “I must be crazy,” before shouting at Seto to wait for him.

--

The cave was cold, damp, and yes, dark. It was darker than the home of that spider, and it made Katsuya extremely nervous. He stayed close to the light of blue fire, conjured up by Seto. Katsuya could not figure why Seto wanted to explore the cave, even if its sudden appearance was suspicious. But that is exactly why Seto wanted to discover its truth.

“S--Seto,” Katsuya muttered, keeping Seto’s warmth as his protection. “S--Seto, I don’t think we should b--be in here.”

“Katsuya,” Seto sighed. “Even if we are not, I do not care. Don’t you find it odd?”

“Odd?”

“Yes,” Seto nodded, continuing to step forward. “When we encountered that spider, the earth had first shattered beneath us. When we returned to that exact spot, the large drop had vanished. I do not know if I am correct, but I sometimes think that this part of the forest is somehow enchanted. Do you think?”

“I--I don’t know what to think,” Katsuya admitted. Seto’s theory was strong. Was the waterfall enchanted? Could only he and Seto have discovered it?

“It’s strange,” Seto continued. “This place. I do not know, but somehow I feel that you and I were meant to meet. Is that a strange thought?”

“Nah,” Katsuya shook his head. He did not agree out loud, but Katsuya did. Their meeting was strange, and it, to Katsuya, seemed non-coincidental.

They continued onward, taking in the dreadful dripping sounds echoing throughout the cave. Thankfully, the cave was not as dangerous to walk on as the last one they had journeyed through. This cave had somewhat of a path to it, leading them further into the blackness.

Katsuya was about to speak again, telling Seto that perhaps they should leave. But as he parted his lips, a sudden noise made both him and Seto freeze on the spot. The noise was strange, and had almost sounded like a strange laugh. As it sounded, a purplish light began glowing up ahead.

Shivering, Katsuya whispered, “S--Seto…?” as he tried to keep calm.

“Shh,” Seto replied. “Come on…” Seto took Katsuya’s hand, dragging the frightened mutt a few steps forward.

At that time, a strange black creature barked at them, making both men jump out of their skins. They stared, puzzled at a little black creature with wings. It flapped its wings, eyeing them cautiously before making its way into the far back of the cave, where it sat upon the shoulder of a bizarre, clothed figure.

“Come in. Come in young adventurers,” echoed an eerie voice. It cackled at Seto and Katsuya. “Please come closer.”

Seto and Katsuya were unsure of the sight before them. There, they stared on at a body covered in a dark robe. Its face was hidden by a hood, but its hands were in sight. Those hands resembled human hands, only they were old, wrinkled, and bony. Long, graying fingernails pointed outward from nine skimpy fingers and two scraped thumbs.

The stranger made Seto curious. “Who are you?”

The figure jittered in spot, seeming to be pleased by Seto’s question. “Mm. Me? O--oh! I--I am called many names. Y--yes. So many. B--but you, Seto, you should already know who I am.”

“What?” Seto shook his head. “H--how do you know me?”

“N--not just you. No. I--I know you, and I know Katsuya, too.” The figure laughed, and its head rose. Seto and Katsuya both watched as a warty pair of graying lips came into view.

This figure. Seto and Katsuya knew what it was. Knew what ‘she’ was.

A witch.

Witches were among the least to be trusted. They were disgusting, senile banshees. This particular witch, however, peeked Seto’s interest. He watched as she grinned, showing off her smudged, decaying teeth. She licked at them with her vile, pink tongue, and she gave hoarse laugh.

“What do you want with us?” Seto demanded. He sounded strong, and confident; unafraid of the hag.

That pleased Katsuya. The witch scared him, and he stood back, not letting go of Seto’s robe.

“I--I? I?” The witch cackled, rolling strange objects in her hands. She released them, and Seto noticed that they were tiny bones. Of what? He did not want to know. “I--I think what you want to know, Seto, is why I am showing up here now, w--when you and Katsuya have met.” Saying this, the witch began shivering, and cooed at the pet on her shoulder.

“What is this nonsense?” Seto almost shouted. “You are as mad as you are hideous.”

The witch cackled again, drooling as she did so. Her greenish spit hit the ground with a thud, and she moaned as her winged creature flapped its wings.

“I won’t ask again…” Seto began, but was interrupted as the witch began to chant.

“Mm…. G--Go…” She took in a deep breath, and letting it out, continued. “Gozaburo’s plan---Gozaburo m--must not discover. Mandook must not discover…”

“What?” Seto gaped. “You know Gozaburo?”

Katsuya was just as surprised. He heard his Chief’s name pass that witch’s lips.

“Tawasaki… Tawasaki…”

“Father? My father?” Seto stared on, bewildered. Could this witch be trusted? And how did she know of his father? Of Gozaburo? And Seto recognized the name Mandook. He knew that that person was the leader of Katsuya’s own tribe.

Seto tried to decipher this witch’s story. How did she know his father? Closing his eyes, Seto took a soothing breath, and thought back to his father. Seto remembered. He remembered his father mentioning a witch -- long ago. Opening his eyes, Seto asked, “Is your name Mini?”

He got a reaction. He watched as the witch trembled. She did so as if drugged, and sighed as if releasing whatever she had inhaled. “Mini! Yes! Yes. I -- I am Mini… That is what they call me.”

“Mini,” Seto nodded. “I remember my father’s stories when I was a child. He told me about a witch named Mini, named for her ugliness. And he told me that she told him and Gozaburo of a baby that would be born…”

“Born!” Mini shrieked, interrupting Seto. She scooted forward, sitting on her hands and knees. The creature upon her shoulder flapped into the air, startled by its master’s movement. She appeared as if begging Seto for coins, bowing her head low. She shivered, and Katsuya nearly stepped forward to see if she was alright, but Seto pushed him back.

“The markings…The markings!” She breathed in, harshly. “No! No! No!”

Slowly, her head lifted. She grinned up at Seto and Katsuya, parting her teeth. They stared on, just watching her slithery self rock back and forth. Suddenly, Mini began laughing, it almost croaky. “T--the dragon and the wolf w--were not supposed to meet. The legend has turned… The legend…”

“The two of you -- are both in serious danger.” Her giggling ceased, becoming hacking coughs.

“What do you mean?” Seto questioned. Mini’s outrageous story was causing him to tighten. And turning, he could see that Katsuya was feeling very afraid. “What legend?”

“The legend!” Mini shouted, causing Seto and Katsuya to step back in fright. She crawled forward, not seeming human. She grabbed Seto’s robe and Katsuya’s leg. The two found that they could not move, and only could they watch on with fear as Mini stood before them, her face still half showing. Seto and Katsuya could smell gunk on her breath, and both held their breaths.

“The dragon…” Mini hissed, forcefully ripping the cloth from Seto’s robe. It revealed his marking, the blue dragon glowed in the dark. Katsuya stared on with wide eyes, and Seto could only gap at the witch’s magic. “A--and the wolf…” Mini cackled, forcing off the piece of fur on Katsuya’s left arm. His own marking, the green wolf, glowed in the dark. They seemed to glow brighter as Mini forced the two arms to connect.

Smirking at them, Mini sighed as the dragon and wolf interlocked. “T--the dragon and the wolf… They h--have met. Watch. Watch the power resonating...”

Mini released them, and the two could find they could move again. Neither dare, only able to stare wide-eyed at the magic before them. The two markings glowed brightly, making the cave dark no more.

Rising his head, Katsuya eyed Seto, terribly frightened. “Seto?”

“W--what is this?” Seto shook his head. “What is this?”

Backing away, Mini found her cackle. She leaned down, picking up her bony pieces from the rocky floor. “Mm… Together, the dragon and the wolf defeated the hungry spider. Y--you worked together, and escaped.”

“W--we…” Seto paused. He grew angry. “You! You broke open the earth! You were the one that sent that spider after us!”

Mini cocked her head left and right, doing so like a toad eyeing a fly. “Yes! Yes! I--I did. I did that. I did not bring you to this place t--though. Y--you two did that on your own, and I saw. I--I saw…”

“Why?” Seto yelled, sounding desperate. “What do these marks on our arms really represent? What do they mean?”

“M--mean? No! No!” Mini moved back, hitting her back against the cave’s wall. “No! Said too much. Said too much!”

“Y--you! Dragon and wolf! M--must not see each other a---anymore. No -- no more! No! Go! Go away! Go!” She placed her hand out.

“Wait!” Seto shouted, but too late. He felt a heavy force push him, and he and Katsuya disappeared.

As her two guests vanished, Mini rocked back and forth, crying lightly. Her pet re-rested on her shoulder, and her bony hand moved up to pet it.

“Seto and Katsuya… N--now that they have met, they--they are in danger. They -- they must not see each other a--anymore. I--if they do. If they do! Ah!” Mini looked up, revealing her hideous face. She appeared bony, almost skeletal with little skin. Her hair was raggedy gray, and stringy. She fell back, hitting her head against the rocky surface. Her batty pet flew off, shrieking.

“I s--smell the rising of blood. I smell their fear, and I s--smell their deaths drawing near.”

-End Chapter Ten-

OH MY GOSH!

Seto: That was a weird ass chapter!

But now you and Katsuya know of your markings! What will happen?

Katsuya: Man, that Mini is one ugly witch!

You better be careful of what you say, Katsuya. Mini is one of my OC’S, so I can make her appear and turn you or Seto into toads.

Katsuya: *silent* O--okay! I--I thought you were sick again?

I am. I wrote this chapter all in two nights! Yesterday and tonight! So if there are grammar or spelling errors, I apologize now! My cold from last week turned worse, however, and so I’ve been lying on the couch watching television. It’s been kind of nice, actually.

Seto: Humph! If I were sick, I’d be right at my desk, working hard and diligently!

Katsuya: Yeah? Well, that’s only because you have no friends! So, you let the time pass on by working your ass off!

Seto: *hits Katsuya over the head with a frying pan. Don‘t ask me where he got it*

Katsuya: *passes out*

Umm…. *pokes Katsuya with a stick* I think you killed him.

Seto: Good! Let’s get a shovel and bury him. That way we won’t have to listen to his annoying nonsense!

I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Seto.

Seto: *holding shovel* Why not?

Because, you might angry -- them! *points to the many Katsuya fan girls and fan boys.

Seto: T--there are so many! Who knew that this mutt could be so fucking popular?

Yes. Well, anyway everyone, here is Chapter Ten! I hope you enjoyed, and please keep reading and reviewing! Until next time! *turns, watching Seto digging a Katsuya sized hole* Um…

Bye for now!