Legend of Glory

Legend of Glory

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Chapter Twelve: Enemies?

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Blue Eyes flew down into the forest, understanding her companion’s daily schedule. She did not mind entering the forest. It gave her time to spread and stretch her wings. She disliked being rope-tied while Seto worked. However, Blue Eyes was still uncertain of Katsuya and his wolf friend. The boy smelled fine, and apparently Blue Eyes’s chosen has grown a liking to the blonde Beast.

As long as Seto was happy, Blue Eyes did not mind.

She lands in her usually spot, a soft dirt clearing. Little trees meant better landing space. Lowering her head, Blue Eyes waited as Seto leaped off of her. He pats her head, and she screeches with satisfaction, glad that her chosen’s warm hands had time to give her a pet.

“I shall return shortly,” Seto would say to her, each time. After doing so, he’d disappear towards the direction of the waterfall, leaving Blue Eyes to have some time in the forest. At times, she’d eye Seto and the other through the thicket of the trees, them unaware of her presence. Doing so out of concern, Blue Eyes would notice, at times, the blonde’s giant wolf guardian watching, as well.

Seems she wasn’t the only concerned for her chosen.

So, another day has come. Blue Eyes lowered her head, waited for Seto to get on solid ground. He patted her, and whispered, “I shall return shortly,” as he vanished into the forest.

Yawning, Blue Eyes decided rest was a good plan. She lay upon the soft soil, and slowly her eyes shut tight. Sadly, she is unable to sleep, for as her body relaxes, a sudden sound forced her to become aware.

Lifting her head, Blue Eyes watched with wonder as a Doragon flied up top a large, tanned dragon, and landed not far behind her. The Doragon’s face was covered by the clothing he wore. He jumped off his dragon, spotting Blue Eyes staring at him. He smirked behind his mask, and walked past Blue Eyes, following Seto’s trail.

Concerned, Blue Eyes stood. She decided to get a peek at her chosen, and hope that this sudden Doragon strange would cause him no harm.

--

A new afternoon had come, and Flame raced his chosen through the trees. He was used to this strange, new routine of his chosen’s. The trail to the waterfall was simple to follow, and it allowed Flame to work his muscles. Yet, Flame upset easily, and having to watch Katsuya spend an afternoon with that strange, tall man made Flame uneasy.

The man seemed polite enough, and he has not hurt Katsuya. Flame was glad, for that. But Flame had an even more unsure feeling for the taller man’s companion. The dragon, she was much stronger than he, he could feel. He could not shred the blue scales protecting her skin.

On occasion, he’d quietly sit, and watch Katsuya and the other without them knowing. But, at times Flame would notice the dragon sitting afar, also eyeing the two. He knew why she was there. She was protecting her own master, and Flame understood that. However, if she dared try hurting Katsuya, Flame promised his self that he’d rip her head clean off.

Otherwise, things seemed well. They arrive, and Flame is pulled to a halt. He kneels forward, allowing Katsuya to climb off of his back. Turning his head, Flame stuck his tongue out, excitably glad every time Katsuya rubbed his head, moving behind to scratch his ears. Flame was still loved, he knew, and with his chosen entertaining the tall man, Flame had the opportunity to hunt or relax.

Watching Katsuya vanish towards the waterfall, Flame curled into a ball. He guessed some sleep would do good. However, that thought soon left him. Lifting his head, Flame took a good sniff, sensing something wasn’t right. He stood, allowing his nose to track the new scent.

Realizing it came near the waterfall, Flame’s concern for his chosen immediately kicked in. He trotted towards the waterfall, staying low in case nothing was the matter. Still, he was unsure.

--

Seto and Katsuya stepped into the clearing at the same time. The waterfall was as amazing as ever, throwing steam off as it hit the small lake below. Upon seeing one another, each smirked before stepping closer.

“Katsuya,” Seto began, “I have much to speak with you about.”

“Uh…” Katsuya rubbed the back of his head. “About what?”

Truly, Seto believed that Katsuya was as dumb as he looked. Sighing, Seto forced his hand on Katsuya’s left arm, roughly pulling off the small leathered band. Revealing the wolf mark, Seto pushed it into Katsuya’s face. “About this, or have your possibly forgotten what had happened here the other day?”

“I didn’t forget!” Katsuya shouted, pushing Seto off him. Rubbing his arm, he glared. “What about it?”

“Katsuya, do you not understand our fate?” Seto asked, a bit disappointed with Katsuya’s childlike manner. Seto was more fascinated by the legend, yet Katsuya seemed to not care for a single second. “You and I are part of a great history, Katsuya. Now, I do not know about your tribe, but mine somehow knew all about me, you, and the markings on our arms.”

Staying silent, Katsuya could only blink in shock.

“What I speak is truth,” Seto continued. “I had found an old book. Contained inside was crystal proof of our coming into this world. You are to take leader when your leader passes, are you not?”

“Yes,” Katsuya whispered.

“I, as well,” Seto went on. “But what bothers me is…”

A sudden crunch made Seto pause. He turned, standing ground as the hooded man came through the thicket. The man was taller than Seto, by a good three or so inches. He seemed strong, muscular, even with his face hidden by the black hood. He was frightening by sight, and Katsuya found himself scooting to hide behind Seto. “S--Seto…”

“Shh…” Seto warned Katsuya, knowing very well the man’s identity. “Why have you come?”

“Seto,” the man spoke, his voice cold and harsh, “I was given orders by the High Gozaburo. And now, I must ask that you and your friend come back with me to see him.”

“Why am I not surprised?” sighed Seto. Smirking, he crossed his arms over his chest, not acting afraid of the other man. “I knew that when I talked with him, he had let it go too easily. But I am afraid I’ll have to turn down that order.”

“The High Gozaburo asks for nothing more but a single request,” the man went on. “If I were to find out anything, I am to report back to him. You cannot ignore his highness’s request, Seto. So, please come calmly, both of…”

Just at that time, Flame leaped through the bushes. He landed, and rushed forward, growling lowly at the strange man. Flame’s sudden appearance made Seto and Katsuya jump, but it most terrified the hooded man. He backed a few steps. “T--the cursed creature…” Whistling, the hooded man called forth his dragon, it enraged and prepared to fight Flame.

“No,” Katsuya cried. He tried pushing past Seto, but Seto held Katsuya down.

“Don’t be stupid,” Seto shouted. “Katsuya! Stop!”

At that time, Blue Eyes crawled into the scene, charging the hooded accountant’s dragon. She screeched harshly, threatening the man to even dare hurt Seto or Seto’s new friends.

Seeing Blue Eyes, the man called off his dragon. He knew he could not win this. Removing his hood, the man revealed a hideous, scarred face. His purplish hair, tied in a ponytail, fell to the middle of his back. His eyes were dark, and icy.

“Of course,” Seto sneered. “Bata…”

“Seto, our tribe has feared this day may come,” Bata said. “We prayed that it would not, however. Most wished the legend was false, but I knew from the start that it was true. And now that I have witnessed with my eyes you protecting one of -- them!” Bata lowered his eyes, ashamed. “You have destroyed us all!”

Bata got atop his dragon. He glared at Katsuya, seeing that the boy had the mark. “Heed this warning, Seto! If you value our tribe’s safety, you will come with me now!”

Staying firm, Seto sweated out of uncertainty. What should he do? He turned, eyeing Katsuya’s face. The mutt seemed delicate as he rarely did, watching Seto with sad, unknown eyes. Katsuya was afraid. Smiling softly at Katsuya, Seto turned his attention back on Bata, standing tall and vigilant.

“Idiot,” Bata hissed. “You have doomed us all!”

With this said, Bata took the reins, and his dragon swooped into the air. Seto and Katsuya covered their eyes from the heavy wind, only to uncover them once Bata was gone.

“W--what did he mean?” Katsuya shakily asked. “Seto? What’s going on?”

“Something awful,” Seto whispered. He lowered his gaze to the ground, trying to decipher a plan. “Katsuya, what I read in that book makes us appear as enemies. Our destiny to meet was never meant to be.”

“That can’t be true,” Katsuya argued. “Seto, we haven’t done anything wrong!” Frowning, Katsuya took Seto’s right hand, holding it softly. “What will become of you if you go back?”

“I can handle my leader,” Seto said, though his voice was shaking. He was completely unbalanced by Bata’s rough intrusion. He knew Bata was a terribly evil man, and had been Gozaburo’s right-hand accountant and bodyguard for many years. Even before Seto was born. He understood Bata’s past as a loner, with no family, the man grew up a villainous criminal, murdering many Doragon men and women. However, Gozaburo gave the man a second chance under his oath. Bata accepted the order, better to have some justice rather than spending a lifetime chained up. “But if worse comes to worse, if I do not show here tomorrow afternoon -- following days. Katsuya, you must promise you’ll never come back here again.”

“I can’t do that,” Katsuya growled, grabbing Seto’s robe fiercely. “I won’t do that! You’re coming with me!”

Startled, Seto hardly seemed caring for his robe and appearance. He could only gaze into Katsuya’s eyes, them focused and serious. “Are you mad?”

“My Chief can help ya,” Katsuya smiled, feeling confident. “He won’t let anything happen, I swear. W--we won’t have to fight each other when he sees how much ya--ya mean to me…” Pausing, Katsuya backed away, releasing his grip on Seto’s robe. He rubbed at his hands nervously, almost embarrassed by what he had spoken. He looked up, noticing Seto’s somewhat shocked expression. “Please?”

Taking the thought into consideration, Seto assumed all possibilities. With Katsuya’s offer, Seto would be able to see Katsuya’s people, village -- life. He’d see how they worked, how they acted, and how they lived. But, he couldn’t endanger Katsuya’s people. “Katsuya, I…”

Suddenly, the ground began trembling. Seto and Katsuya grabbed one another, listening hard to a sudden screech coming their way. Seto recognized the shriek, it dark and fierce. The shriek was of Gozaburo’s chosen dragon, a mighty male with purple scales and blood, red eyes.

Swiftly, Seto took Katsuya’s hand in his, ordering Katsuya to run. They made way in the direction of Katsuya’s village, running fast with Flame and Blue Eyes spreading out in order to confuse Gozaburo. Seto ordered Katsuya to stay low as they rushed through the trees, praying to not be seen.

“Seto,” Katsuya shrieked as he nearly stumbled. “Seto -- what’s going on?”

“Bata’s dragon is fast,” Seto gasped, keeping sure Katsuya ran at his pace. “That sound was of my leader’s royal dragon. They’re headed this way -- and we need to find a safe haven.”

“Oh…” Katsuya followed faster, and he attempted to concentrate on their situation. Just then, he remembered. “Seto! Follow me!” Unleashing his hand from Seto’s grip, Katsuya rushed forward, not even caring to watch Seto’s expression turn confused.

“Katsuya, where…?” Seto began, but Katsuya just demanded he follow.

Katsuya knew a hiding spot.

Shrugging, Seto quickly followed, hoping to the heavens Gozaburo was not eyeing them from somewhere above. He stealthily followed Katsuya through very thick brushes, and trees covered in many dark green leaves. They climbed down a steep hill, hiding underneath rocks as they made it to the bottom.

Once on the bottom, Katsuya took Seto’s hand, leading him towards a small cave just to the right. It was covered in veins of green and pink flowers, perfectly hidden from those who may walk by it. Katsuya led Seto in, closing the veins behind them. It darkened the cave further, making it a safe hiding spot. However, it did not go to far in, only a few steps ahead was a circular area. Seto sat down, and Katsuya copied.

“How’d you know this was here?” asked Seto.

“My friend, Hiroto, and I would come here all the time when we wanted to get away from our parents,” Katsuya answered with a smile. “It’s the safest spot I know. We discovered it when I was only seven years old.”

“This is great,” Seto softly spoke. “For now, anyway. I do not know how long he’ll search.”

“I--I don’t understand, Seto,” Katsuya said. “What’s going on?”

Deciding now was the best time for explanations, Seto sat close to Katsuya. “Katsuya, I found a book containing details on a legend passed down by my people. In that legend states a child to be born with the marking of a dragon. I have that marking, as you’ve seen. When the time comes, I shall become the leader of my people…”

Katsuya’s sudden gasp made Seto pause.

“T--that’s unreal,” said Katsuya, afraid by the words. “The legend is same in my village. The one born with the mark will lead, and -- I have that mark.”

“It is clear that our tale is no legend,” Seto answered, leaning against the rocky cave wall. He moaned a bit, growing Katsuya’s concern.

“Are you alright?”

“Fine,” Seto quickly replied. “J--just twisted my wrist a bit when climbing down the hill.

Slowly, Katsuya moved his body over Seto’s. Seto watched in silence as Katsuya took his hand. Wincing, Seto stayed still as Katsuya rubbed the bruise. “Can you move it?”

“I--I think so…” Seto said, but as he bent his hand, his wrist fought his movements, stinging him. “Ah…”

“Seto,” Katsuya worriedly voiced.

“Shit,” cursed Seto. “I don’t think it’s broken, but I guess I hurt it more than I assumed.”

Thinking as he bit his lip, Katsuya took the cloth that he once used to cover his marking. It was perfect size for bandaging Seto’s hand. “Here, wrap this around it and keep it still.”

Seto watched, his eyes redeeming shock by Katsuya’s working magic. Katsuya gently wrapped the leather over the bruise, tying it carefully with the necklace he had taken from his neck. As Katsuya finished, he leaned back as Seto rested.

“Thanks,” Seto softly muttered, resting his hand over his lap.

“When we get to my village, Chief Mandook can heal it for you,” Katsuya smiled, re-sitting himself next to Seto.

“Katsuya…” Seto spoke, beginning to dispute. However, he knew Katsuya wanted this.

“Please, Seto,” Katsuya whispered, his eyes already shut and exhausted. “I--don’t want you to get hurt. Just promise me, please?”

How could Seto say no? He listens, lowered his eyes over Katsuya. The mutt was fast asleep. Sighing, Seto got as comfortable as he could, making sure his wrist rested well against the soft cloth of his robe. Shutting his eyes, Seto softly whispered his answer through the darkening cave:

“I promise…”

-End Chapter Twelve-

Hi.

Katsuya: We missed ya the last chapter!

Seto: Puh. You were lazy enough to leave us out!

I was NOT lazy, excuse you! I -- well, I’ve been sick.

Seto: Here it comes with the cold.

Not a cold! Worse! I have a UI.

Katsuya: What’s a UI?

Urinary infection…

Seto & Katsuya: …..

I knew you’d understand. So, this is a short chapter, and I apologize for that. The medicine my doctor gave me to fight my UI make me dizzy, so when I’m in front of the computer screen for a long time, I get kinda *la-la-la* But I will not stop writing chapters.

Seto: Your readers would be so disappointed.

Katsuya: Well, at least it’s getting exciting!

It is! Thank you, Katsuya. And to everyone, I hope you keep reading. I will finish this story. I promise.