Legend of Glory

Legend of Glory

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Twenty Three: Legendary War

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Fifty so Doragon warriors rid upon their dragons, trampling through the Forests of Kimo. They destroyed all flourished greens in their path in order to get to their destination. In the lead was Gozaburo, looking mighty upon his strong black dragon. Beside him rode Bata.

He and Gozaburo soon slowed down, ordering the others to do so. All dragons came to a halt. They listened well to the sounds surrounding them. Birds chirped. Crickets sang.

Gozaburo allowed his ears to listen well. As he did so, Bata gave him an unsure frown. “Gozaburo, you are sure they may be so prepared as this?”

“You forget,” Gozaburo shot back. “Seto is with them. He is intelligent and strong. I shall take no chances. They are willing to protect their little village. They will lose, but they will still fight their hardest.”

“Still,” Bata tried to cut in, but was not successful as Gozaburo glared at him.

“Shh… Gozaburo whispered softer. “I gave them five weeks to prepare… They would not of wasted any time. They are waiting for us…”

“Seto has Blue Eyes…” Bata argued. “You and I know very well that she is the strongest dragon to ever cross our village. And she just had to choose Seto…”

“Quiet,” Gozaburo hushed Bata, using nothing but a piercing glare. “I understand the consequences of Blue Eyes. She will be hard to fight, but do not let her scare you… Do not! This is not a time to act like a child.. We will not give in to them.”

Looking left to right, Gozaburo motioned his warriors onward with a quick motion of the hand. They continued through the forest, keeping their eyes peeled…

--

In the middle of the forest, the Beasts were doing the same procedure. Listening. Waiting. Looking. They were skilled hunters. They could easily sense the sounds of breaking twigs or crunching leaves. They waited, patiently observing their surroundings with Katsuya and Seto in the front. But neither of the two recognized where they were… They did not recognize the empty meadow, for once it had a waterfall. A waterfall that held most of their remembered memories.. How they first met, up to this point of time.

They did not know that Mina’s magic was helping them to succeed victory. She had created a perfect battlefield. One for the Doragon peoples’ dragons to fly high in the sky. One for the Beast peoples’ wolves to scatter swiftly without getting stuck. She designed it to where either side could come out triumphant.

Where they stood, perched high and waiting, Seto saw Katsuya’s breathing was off. He frowned, knowing the blonde Beast was nervous as a bird taking first flight. Those chocolaty orbs were full of much uncertainty. To make up for this, Seto gently whispered, “Katsuya…?”

Jumping, Katsuya’s attention went on Seto. Katsuya saw Seto was worried, but he let this fly by giving a soft smile.

“Relax your muscles,” Seto suggested. “We cannot let your people see your fear.”

“I know,” Katsuya said, widening his smile.

Katsuya re-focused on the meadow before him. He listened carefully, best prepared for any oncoming sign that war had begun.

Silence followed for many more minutes. Katsuya grew tired waiting. He let his eyes close, but then they shot open as he desperately tried to keep awake and alert. He decided to see what Seto was doing. Strange. Katsuya’s eyes caught amazing magic. He gaped, seeing a blue glaze surrounding Seto. He saw Seto’s eyes, them dangerous and fixed… Seto looked so powerful. And this filled Katsuya with confidence. He knew Seto’s main focus would be Gozaburo. This made Katsuya happy and proud. He knew Seto would never desert him. Deciding it was the only time to thank Seto, Katsuya began, “Se…”

“Shh,” Seto hushed him, suddenly full on alert.

Listening, Katsuya heard what Seto did. Branches broke off in the onward distance. Katsuya’s fear swiftly returned, but he kept to Seto’s order for the appropriate time to draw his weapon. Apparently, Seto had read up on war and rules of war in their world. If at all possible, war could quickly not happen… But Katsuya was sure that would not happen.

A swifter crunch made Katsuya’s ears perk. Him and his people watched, then, as Gozaburo, Bata, and many Doragon came out from the thicket just some feet away. High upon his dragon, Gozaburo was grinning at them as his single right hand was raised high, shaped into a fist.

--

Crunch.

Pause.

Gozaburo quieted his warriors. He took notice of the Beasts waiting just some feet ahead. He began to grin as Bata leaned over to whisper, “High Gozaburo…”

“This is a moment of wonder,” Gozaburo interrupted. “You see, Bata? They are not so idiotic, as you assumed. They have been waiting for us.” Gozaburo rubbed at his mustache. He saw Seto there, sitting atop Blue Eyes. The blue dragon looked stronger than ever. Her sight gave Gozaburo an idea. “Bata, follow my lead..” Making his right hand into a fist, Gozaburo held it up as he moved into sight.

--

“W -- what’s he doing?” Katsuya asked Seto as he gazed over the raised fist. It was a strange sign… Perhaps one of giving up? No. That is only Katsuya’s wish. There was more to this.

“It means he wants to talk to us,” Seto said back. “We need to accept. Copy him. Hold your fist up and keep it up.”

Nodding, Katsuya copied. He and Seto got off of their chosen as did Gozaburo. The two enemies walked towards one another. Seto motioned for the Beasts to stay calm… He may have disliked Gozaburo, but Seto knew the man preferred order, even if order was part of war.

As they stood inches apart, Gozaburo was the first to speak. “The violence can all be avoided, gentlemen. Just surrender now…”

“We cannot do that!” Katsuya shouted, but Seto held Katsuya back, keeping the blonde from swinging a punch in Gozaburo’s direction.

“The Beast people are innocent,” Seto said to Gozaburo, keeping his eyes focused and stern. “You are making a terrible mistake, Gozaburo.”

“Mistake? Mistake?” Gozaburo cackled into laughter. “Seto -- the only mistake being made here is your decision to side with -- with them.. With him..” Gozaburo glared straight at Katsuya to make his point clear.

“This is no mistake,” Seto answered. “Katsuya has done more for me than you ever will… When I kill you, he and I will make our tribes as one and we will live peacefully.”

Gozaburo glared hard. “You are not backing down?”

“And why should I?” asked Seto, keeping strong. “Why should we? We are just as wise and capable of winning this war, Gozaburo… You can count on that.”

Yes… This was true. Gozaburo knew. Yet, he would not have it. Slowly, he grinned at the two. “How about a little -- wager? It is small and fair.”

“We don’t want to know,” Katsuya grumbled, but Seto saw otherwise.

“Do share,” Seto nodded.

Smirking, Gozaburo gave them his idea. “Our dragons are strong. Your wolves are strong… But with them fighting alongside, it would seem very disadvantage. I mean -- with the strength of the scales on our dragons’ backs, your pathetic wolves don’t stand a chance. Let us -- say we have this battle without their company.”

“And I suppose this includes Blue Eyes,” said Seto as he read Gozaburo’s fear for the mighty blue dragon.

“Of course,” Gozaburo went on, ignoring Seto’s stare. “It will be hand-on-hand, man against man.”

Katsuya liked that plan. He looked up at Seto, worried on what the other would say. However, just by Seto’s expression, Katsuya knew. He turned to Gozaburo as Seto nodded.

Grinning, Gozaburo turned and headed back to his people. As Seto and Katsuya did the same, Katsuya whispered, “Seto, how do we know he’s telling the truth?”

“Gozaburo may be heartless,” said Seto. “However, he is a rightful gambling man. He never breaks his word.”

Katsuya believed Seto’s words. When they returned to the Beast people, they gave them the order. The people were shocked, as were there riding chosen. However, they obeyed this decision, knowing it did give them an advantage, for they knew that the Doragon’s dragon companions were strong. Soon, all Beasts were standing with their wolves kneeling behind them. Seto looked to Blue Eyes, giving her a reassuring smile. He walked over to her and gently scratched at her head.

“My Blue Eyes,” whispered Seto. “If Gozaburo even begins to break his promise, you have my word to take his head…”

And Blue Eyes screeched, satisfied by her chosen’s decision. She gave a short nudge, allowing him to know she understood.

But now, they stood shaking on their feet. Thousands of warriors… Both sides were afraid. Both weren’t to know the outcome of the soon-to-come battle. The two sides prepared, releasing their weapons for the call from their leaders that the war had begun..

Seto looked to Katsuya, smiling. “Katsuya?” He watched Katsuya look to him with curious eyes. “Stay alive, you hear?…”

“You too,” smiled Katsuya. He frowned, then. “Seto?”

“Hmmm…?” Seto tilted his head.

Katsuya then grinned. “Get him…”

Chuckling, Seto nodded his head as he held his sword in place. “With pleasure…”

With a raise of Gozaburo’s sword, the battle began. His side began to charge at the Beasts, fully prepared to sacrifice themselves for Gozaburo’s sake. “Attack!”

Seto raised his own sword. “For glory!”

“For glory!” shouted the Beasts as they charged for the enemy.

Katsuya began to panic, but he kept his body firm. He turned, seeing Seto had charged. Taking a deep breath, Katsuya rushed forward, ready to kill any who stood in his way. “Glory!”

--

Bodies bashed together. Swords clanked. Magic erupted.

Blood began to shed.

One by one, Beasts and Doragons fell by the hands of their enemies. And as they fell, as did their chosen wolves and dragons, death chosen for them once they have picked their chosen. The grassy plain soon stained red… Warriors fought with their cunning strength and power, with their agility and magic. Never had Katsuya seen such a horrific sight. He kept his strength strong… He kept his mind calm, telling it to be brave and wise..

He would not die.

A Doragon came at him, ready to kill. Glaring, Katsuya held up his sword. He was prepared, knowing that the Doragons practiced in amazing magic and sorcery. He had seen it with his owns eyes, those many times when he and Seto were lost in darkness. The way would be lit with the blue flames in Seto’s palm. And thanks to Seto’s impressive training, Katsuya could now do the same…

The Doragon dodged his sword, swirling to hit Katsuya at the neck from behind. However, to his dismay, Katsuya quickly dodged downward, turned his hand, and fired red flames from his hand. It hit the Doragon straight on.. He screamed bloody murder as he was engulfed in the flames.

Gasping for air, Katsuya quickly stood, awaiting the next victim to fall by his hands. He charged a Doragon coming for him. He sliced the Doragon through the chest, letting blood splatter to the ground.. Katsuya was not going to let them win… He would fight and fight..!

He had lost sight of Seto, however. This worried him.

No.

Seto was unharmed. Seto was safe. He was somewhere, fighting his heart out. Katsuya knew he should, too. He knew Seto would never give up so easily…

Neither would Katsuya.

--

From their standing position, Gozaburo and Bata stood like statues. Only did they raise their weapons when a Beast neared them. Sadly, the Beasts that all had tried taking Gozaburo and Bata down died disastrous deaths.. Bodies surrounded them, but Gozaburo only cared for the death of two particular faces.

He eyed Katsuya, noting the blonde was fighting his all. Blood spilled by the blade in Katsuya’s hand. His swiftness and hunter-like skill worried Gozaburo. However, this worry was only slightly fogging Gozaburo’s mind.

As Gozaburo slit the throat of an oncoming Beast, he turned to Bata, grinning. “Kill him.”

Bata nodded his head. “With pleasure.” And unsheathing his own weapon, Baku rushed to where Katsuya was battling his heart out.

--

Another fell by Katsuya’s hands. This followed another. He kept his spirit high, alongside his sword. He never noticed Bata walking up from behind. Not until he listened as a Beast screamed, charging for Bata’s head. Only, Bata easily dodged the weaker male and stabbed the Beast through the heart. Right before Katsuya.

Katsuya stared up at Bata, shaking. He never thought this man would challenge him. But, he was more thankful that it was Bata and not Gozaburo. Glaring, Katsuya held his sword out in front of him, ready to take Bata on. Ready to make Seto proud.

“You are quite good,” shouted Bata over the firing cries of cheer and death. “I never expected such from you.. What was it? Katsuya?”

Staying silent, Katsuya continued to hold his sword high. He would not allow Bata’s slithery words to fool him into backing down. He’d stay standing tall and strong. At least, he’d show it.

“You will die here,” Bata said, as if he already knew the outcome of the battle. “You will fall. Seto will fall. Gozaburo will rule over this land…”

He stepped closer to Katsuya. He showed off his own sword, it at his side, and stained with blood. As he was only inches from Katsuya, he devil-grinned and raised his sword. “Prepare your self…!” Charging forward, he lifted his sword and slashed it down on Katsuya. He was sure this would be an easy victory, but to his dismay, Katsuya swiftly blocked his attack.

Two mighty swords clanked together, each battling to see who could break the other first. Katsuya grinded his teeth, holding on tight. He could not let Bata win. Not so easily! Bata also held on, tightening his grip. How surprised he was to discover Katsuya was stronger than he looked.

“N -- not bad,” Bata managed to say. He chuckled a bit. “You -- have the strength and skill like that of a wolf. I admire that…” Bata pushed forward. “However, you are still not as intelligent…” And as he spun, un-connecting the two swords from their struggle, Bata shot a raging ball of fire from his hand at Katsuya.

Katsuya screamed out as the fire hit his shoulder. Thankfully, the fire had not spread, but Katsuya’s entire shoulder was smoking. Hissing, Katsuya stumbled backward only four steps before falling to his knees. He found himself getting dizzy. No. This couldn’t be it… Growling, he touched his shoulder. It stung bad… Katsuya could hear Bata laughing at him, thinking him weak.

“Pathetic,” Bata said. “You honestly thought this battle would be yours? You and your entire tribe are nothing more but a bunch of weak, miserable dogs! You do not deserve to be a part of this world! Our people are above the food chain. We shall strive!” Laughing, Bata stepped forward and held his sword above Katsuya’s head. “So sad. I was really hoping it wouldn’t come to war, but High Gozaburo was right. You and your tribe don’t belong…” he tilted his head, frowning as the blonde kept his head lowered. “Now, it is time to say goodbye…”

Bata raised his sword… As he did, however, he never expected his intelligence to backfire. For, as his sword was raised, a sudden bolt of fire entered his chest. Gasping, Bata dropped his sword out of surprise… “What…?” He gasped, then, loosing speech as the blade of the other entered through his chest. He choked out as blood left his mouth. “I -- impossible…”

Katsuya had plunged his sword straight through Bata’s chest. He held it in place, twisting his sword to destroy Bata’s organs… Soon, Katsuya pulled his sword out, standing as Bata’s limp corpse fell to the ground. In the distance, Katsuya watched Bata’s dragon screech out and become dust. Frowning, Katsuya whispered, “Goodbye” as he walked away from Bata’s corpse. He was prepared to fight more. But, he eyed his hand and smiled. He was able to use the same fire attack Bata had used on him. It had saved his life. “Thank you, Seto…” And Katsuya continued fighting for glory.

--

Gozaburo had witnessed Bata’s failure. He growled, disappointed in the one he had called ‘attendant.’ He turned, killing another Beast charging at him. Looking left to right, Gozaburo looked out for Seto… He wanted to kill the man. Fast! He wanted to be the only ruler.

Soon, he spotted Seto fighting two Doragon at once. They tried tricking Seto, using spells of fire and water. However, Seto saw right through them, soon leaving their dead bodies piled on top of others. Strangely, Seto began to lose balance. He shook his head, knowing his disease was trying to interfere with the battle. Rest, is what it was telling him. He needed to stop, but he could not. He could not let Katsuya, nor the tribes down.

Turning, Seto spotted Gozaburo eyeing him. The other was only some feet away. Glaring, Seto began to step closer. He noted that Gozaburo copied, also moving. Seto held his sword at his side. This was it, he knew. This final fight would determine many lives’ fates. And many of those lives depended on him. They believed in him.. Trusted him. Though nervous, Seto knew that he had to do this. He had to protect those that he loved with all his heart. He could not let them die.

With only few steps left, Seto stared, gaping as Gozaburo sliced the throat of a charging Beast. Even more shocking was Seto witnessing a Doragon, rushing by. Yet, Gozaburo, showing no heart, stabbed the Doragon, his own kind, for getting between the path of him and Seto. Seto watched, terrified and disgusted, as the Doragon fell dead to the ground.

Grinding teeth, Seto glared up at Gozaburo, best ignoring the fallen body. A duel would soon begin. One that would not last only one second.

“This could all end,” Gozaburo said, once he and Seto were face to face. “Just surrender now and I’ll call off my people.”

“This battle will end,” Seto shot back. “But only when I have your head!”

Glaring, Gozaburo shook his sword with fury. “So be it.”

Gozaburo rushed forward, charging Seto like a rhinoceros. His sword lifted, ready to kill. Seto, taken back by the first move, stepped some feet back as his own sword raised. The two swords touched, burning like fire against one another’s strong metal. The two swords hissed when rubbed together, sharing raged sparks.

The warriors on the battlefield, both Doragon and Beast, stayed out of the way of the duel. They knew this would lead to their fate, so many paused, watching, waiting for the outcome. Seto kept moving backwards, just trying his hardest to keep Gozaburo’s heavier body off of him. But Seto knew that, with a perfect opening, being tall and skinny could lead to a swift advantage. He just had to wait.

“Afraid Seto?” Gozaburo asked, continuing to use hard force. “Why won’t you fight back? Huh? Fight me!”

Chance! Seto rolled, just as Gozaburo’s sword slammed into the ground, slicing dirt instead of flesh. Gasping by how close that had been, Seto quickly got to his feet and held his sword up again. He blinked. He was becoming dizzy again. And he knew that Gozaburo took notice of the change. ‘Not now, damn it…!’ Seto shook his head, trying to keep focused.

Chuckling, Gozaburo turned, facing Seto again. “Is something wrong, Seto? Ready to call it quits?” The lord cackled, dragging his sword’s tip along the soft dirt.

“N -- no…” Seto answered. “Never…”

“Humph,” snorted Gozaburo. He eyed his left. His right. “Look around you, Seto. Watch the bodies fall one after the other. Do you really think it wise to allow all these deaths?”

“Y -- you dare ask me this?” Seto asked, gaping. His vision became clear again. He stood strong, ready to continue the duel. “You started this war, Gozaburo. And I plan on finishing it.”

“Very well,” Gozaburo said, grinning. “It’s time to meet back up with your father -- in hell!”

Screaming, the two men began to charge again. Seto, enraged by Gozaburo’s words, felt more confident. They collided. They bashed their swords, each filled with new energy. They ignored the battles going on around them. The other screams. The other cries. More bodies falling. Seto just knew… Just one slice was all needed to end everything. Just one. He let his sword rise, ready to take that chance. He moved forward, wanting to push the sword through Gozaburo’s chest. But as he did so, he watched with wide eyes as Gozaburo dashed around him, slicing the sword through the left side of his stomach.

Blood dripped. Dizzy, Seto fell to his knees, holding a hand firmly against the wound . He choked out, pissed at himself for letting Gozaburo get the first true taste of victory. He could see Gozaburo gleaming down on him, holding his bloody sword with ‘triumphant’ written across his forehead. “So pathetic. I’m surprised Seto. I was expecting much more from you.”

However, Seto would soon prove that he had the power. Even with his deep wound, Seto found that he was slowly rising. Soon, he was back on his feet, letting his sword wobble in front of him. Seto was shaken, but his sudden show of bravery and strength startled Gozaburo.

Chuckling, Gozaburo moved forward. He assumed Seto was asking for a quick death sentence. Quick enough to end his suffering. No words need be said as they continued their fight. Seto made the first move, charging with all his might, aiming for Gozaburo’s head. Gozaburo dodged easily, however, increasing the battle. Drops of blood stained the ground from the gash in Seto’s stomach. Gozaburo had a strong feeling Seto would soon surrender and fall. He got a good laugh, watching Seto trip and stumble to the ground a second time. “Weak. Weak. Weak…” Gozaburo repeated, letting Seto’s blood stain his sword. “Worthless, as was your father…” he paused, raising a brow. What was this sudden, strange magic he felt? His eyes wondered carelessly over Seto.. What he saw made Gozaburo gasp.

Seto was standing, prepared to fight more. Only, something was different. Something that Gozaburo had not noticed before. Seto was glowing magnificent blue. The strange aura surrounded his body. His eyes were narrowed, showing his increasing anger for Gozaburo. The deep wound seemed somewhat at a pause as Seto lifted his sword, it seeming less weight than that of a feather.

Gozaburo was left confused. “What in the…?” Gasping, Gozaburo is left stunned as Seto continued coming at him, craving for his body to be left for the insects. He stepped back, lifting his sword. It felt very heavy, suddenly, and this made Gozaburo curse under breath.

The two swords furiously crashed together, slashing, slicing, and dodging. Seto pushed with all his might, ignoring the sudden pain shooting up his body from the slash in his stomach. He could not lose. He could not give up. He needed strength… Katsuya was with him. Both tribes were with him… All but one were with him. He had to prove his power and show that he is the better Lord than Gozaburo.

“Ah…!” Gozaburo yelled, crashing down his sword on Seto’s own. There is no chance he would lose. Not to some pathetic, young man that had betrayed the Doragon tribe. He was tiring, though. No! He could not tire. “AH!” He pushed Seto, making the other fall for a third time.

Gasping for breath, Gozaburo backed away momentarily. His age was getting to him. He had not thought it’d take this long to rid of Seto. Wolves and dragons each cried, wishing to desperately become part of the battle in order to make a quick victory.

“Too easy,” Gozaburo soon breathed out. “Time to end this…”

To Gozaburo’s dismay, he watched as Seto got up again. Only this time, Seto unwrapped the bandage hiding his mark. The mark of the dragon burned against his skin, glowing brilliantly.

“Why?” Gozaburo asked. “Why do you keep getting up? Answer me, damn it!”

Seto closed his eyes. He began to think of his father. He began to think of his brother. He began to think of Katsuya, his lover. Gozaburo, staring on confused, asked, “What are you doing?” He is awarded, then, with a pair of eyes ready to kill.

With eyes open and alert, Seto twirled his sword. He firmly pressed his feet into the ground and pushed on the ground. He eyed Gozaburo like prey, ready to end the war that could not have been avoided. Without a word, Seto stepped. One foot followed the other as he raced, he hoped, one final time for Gozaburo. His sword held out front, Seto prepared for a single swing.

Glaring, Gozaburo raised his sword again. “Come at me…” he whispered. He waited, staying in place, as Seto neared him.

Soon, two swords swung one final time.

And one life was about to end.

No… It was not possible. It could not be. The terrified face of Gozaburo looked down, seeing Seto’s blade plunged straight through Gozaburo’s chest.. He gasped out as Seto pulled out the sword. Gozaburo dropped his own weapon and fell on his knees. Seto was frowning down at him. “T -- this is not p -- possible…” Gozaburo coughed out. “I -- I am the master. I am the -- the ruler…” Gozaburo growled and stared up at Seto, ready as he shouted, “I am the highest and I shall live…”

In three flat seconds, Seto spun and let his sword slice through the skin of Gozaburo’s neck. The head tore from the flesh and rolled over on the ground. Seto kept his frown on as he finished the deed. He turned, watching as Gozaburo’s mighty black dragon curled over dead. Aching, Seto leaned over Gozaburo’s body and removed a horn made of bronze that was wrapped around Gozaburo’s waist. Sighing out, Seto stood to his feet and blew the horn.

All Beasts stopped. All Doragons stopped. Katsuya stopped. He turned, staring in awe at Seto, standing over Gozaburo’s defeated corpse.

The war was over.

“I have defeated Gozaburo!” Seto called out to all who remained. “Those of the Doragon tribe, lower your weapons! This battle goes to the people of the Beast tribe!”

And in seconds, all Beasts began to madly cheer. They raised their weapons high, having won the war, having won the glory.

“No longer will our two tribes be separated,” declared Seto. He held his stomach wound. “From this day forth, you each shall be ruled by two. Katsuya and myself! Now, we shall build a glorious city and live in peace and harmony together!”

Gasping, Seto looked around him. All eyes were on him. Katsuya had moved closer, listening with much gratitude. He was smiling.

“We -- will get along,” Seto said. “From this day forth, the legend of glory will be nothing but a -- legend…” and ever swiftly, dizziness hit Seto hard. He collapsed.

The final thing he heard was Katsuya crying, “SETO!” as both Doragons and Beasts rushed to aid him.

-End of Chapter 23-