Kaoru was set to depart to the forbidden forest in the east where the monster might be waiting for his arrival. He strapped the saddle on his loyal steed, a midnight horse with a magnificent mane.
"Remember the mission." Hachiro gave him a bag of gold coins. "Don't fight. Retreat after you find its lair."
Kaoru nodded his head. He placed the gold coins in his chest pocket. After making sure that everything's ready, he flick the whip to make the horse move.
"I'll be back." Was all he said.
The animal set forth under the rising sun, coat shining against the blinding rays. A beautiful contrast against the bright day — light and dark. Body slightly bending forward, Kaoru pushed the horse to go faster. It ran through the forest where snow flicked around its hooves. His body bounced atop, ponytailed white hair swaying back and forth.
Kaoru journeyed to the eastern horizon where cherry blossoms swirled around him. On the way, he ran past different forest spirits and animals. A kappa guarding the lake; a beautiful tree spirit with a head full of flowers; a floating green head; and once he camped for a meal and around the bonfire he made, a man with a head of a panda came to share the heat. It was a tiring journey to sit all day on his horse nevertheless he still set out for his mission again.
As he ventured deeper into the ancient forest, the air thickened. The path narrowed, and the trees leaned in — he was already at the entrance of the forbidden threshold — a land that is infested by mutated animals, goblins, and vile creatures whose names were never uttered in the dead of the night. Soon, dawn became twilight, the once vibrant forest became somber. The trees had changed, from the lush green forest and snowy ground, the trees are darkened and not a single leaf hung from its dark, thorny branches. Snow doesn't even reach the area, the ground was ink black where poisonous flowers grow beautifully, tempting any traveler to go near it — a deadly beauty. And the air carries the scent of a stench, making his nostril flare in disgust.
Kaoru's horse snorted, sensing the shift in energy and the eerie silence which makes it more dangerous. For a place full of wild animals and monsters, but not a single sound nor their shadow was seen, means that there is something living in it that is more powerful than them, and they do not want to disturb that creature. It might also be the one he's looking for.
Kaoru dismounted, walking around the forest on his own, he searched for any trails of the creature, but only managed to find small footprints beneath the black tree, probably of the most cunning creatures, goblins. They always come in groups, herding their target. Eating them alive. Kaoru's movement became cautious, he doesn't want to alert the goblins for it would only invite trouble.
As he ventures at the inner section of the forest, he stumbled upon a giant cave — the entrance looks like a yawning mouth, beckoning him to come. Kaoru entered the cave to inspect, its walls slick with moisture, air a bit heavy. There is also a howling sound that chills his bone — the mournful cry of something ancient and hungry. He stopped going forward, beyond is already dark and treacherous.
Squatting down, he put his palm on the cold ground and a hundred spiders crawled out of his sleeves. Black and small, their tiny feet tickle his skin.
"Just go around the cave. Inspect every corner, every crevices, and see what kind of creature is concealing its presence beneath the shadow." As if the spider understood him, it all left carrying his order.
As soon as Kaoru left the mouth of the cave, something big and hard had hit him, flinging him away from his spot. The world spun around and he landed on a couple of trees. Flinching, he felt his sternum broke, sending waves of pain on his chest.
"What the hell is that?" He squinted his eyes, his vision a bit blurry.
Outside the cave, where he stood a while ago, a silhouette guards its entrance. It was almost ten feet tall, its body muscular and large hands gripping on a thick, long club. The silhouette made a low-pitched growl and Kaoru instantly knew what it was.
A goblin. It might be the leader of a herd if talking about its size. Standing up, Kaoru slowly looked around for the small ones. If their leader is here then there is a chance that they are hiding somewhere to surprise-attack him.
Just as he was expecting, small goblins showed up — swarming him — their eyes gleaming with malice, clubs and blades on their hands. There were almost three dozen of them but he remained unfazed. Although he is alone, this vile creature cannot outnumber him. The only threat is the giant one, the small ones are just cunning but still weak.
"This is so troublesome." Removing the sword from its scabbard, Kaoru made a defensive position. "Let's see who kills who first."
Another batch of spiders crawled down the sleeves of his pants, varying in size and colors. All of it is deadly and poisonous. He can never be outnumbered. Goblins might be persistent and violent, but his spiders are silent and deadly. One bite from it then the prey will instantly die from poison.
The small goblins made a high-pitched cries and they all attacked him together. Swinging the sword in front of him, heads were sent flying, angering his enemy. Another one tried to slice his achilles, with a swift motion, he leaps into the air — his white hair whips around him. As if everything went on slowly, he witnessed how the spiders crawled on their body, biting their green skin— an instant kill. A few survived his spiders, and this time, they stepped back cautiously.
Kaoru landed gracefully, adjusting his kimono, katana at the ready. The goblins did not move and his eyes narrowed in puzzlement. Only the small ones are attacking him a while ago, the leader never left its place. A sentinel — he stood like a rock in front of the cave, guarding it from him.
But why? What's in there that needs its protection? Was it the creature talked about in legend or there is a weak presence there that needed to be guarded.
He also noticed the small ones retreating slowly. They are smart enough to know that they will be annihilated if they come any closer. Taking this chance, Kaoru ran away from the place. Leaving the spiders behind so no goblins would follow him. It's no use wasting his time fighting a group of goblins, he needs to come back as soon as possible. That's the order of his king.
Outside the forbidden threshold, under the cherry blossom tree, Elric sat atop a large stone, feeding a black horse an apple he found on the way.
"You're still alive." He said.
A staggering figure emerged from the entrance, blood dripping from his mouth, and sternum throbbing with each labored breath. It is also the reason why he ran away, because the numbing pain on his chest is worsening.
"Hehe." He laughed weakly. "Today's not my lucky day."
Elric tilted his head, eyes questioning.
"Or maybe you're just a throw-away."
Kaoru sat on the cold ground to rest. His eyes flickered about what he had just heard.
"What do you mean?"
"Someone told me... " Elric trailed, his eyes assessing the wounded prey. "The goblin guarding the cave, knowing about it, the king still sent you alone. Your loyalty is misplaced, Kaoru."
"I don't t—"
"Admit it, you are the weakest among the cadre. The king wants to maintain its reputation, to kill you then replace you, he is willing to do it before the night parade." Leveling his eyes with Kaoru, gaze determined with hidden anger, he made sure he sees it all. "Even I was angered when I heard that. Do you think I'll come here for nothing. I was here to save you, actually."
Kaoru then averted his gaze, breath heavy from his chest injury. He was contemplating what he heard. He had always been loyal to the king, although lacking, he will always do his parts perfectly.
However, a seed of doubt has been planted, and the king's face flickered — a stern ruler, but kind and generous.
"What should I do?" He asked himself, and Elric's hand rested on his shoulder.
"The king has already abandoned you, there's no use serving him. Once you come back, he will find another way to secretly kill you."
"And where did you hear such a thing?"
The forest held its breath, and Elric met Kaoru's gaze.
"The queen." He answered. "It's up to you now. The king is planning to betray the cadre soon. I will rebel — a promised vengeance. You can join but don't be too late."
Kaoru watched as Elric left him. Gone his wild personality, in his presence stood a warrior — one determined to fight for his fate.
While he had made his decision clear, Kaoru was torn between loyalty and rebellion.