Year: 770
Graybarrow lived in a constant state of rebuilding, the town baring the scars of frequent battles - hastily repaired walls, patchwork buildings, and the haunted eyes of its inhabitants. Yet, in these harsh times, Daglan and Rozeree, had found their roles. Daglan had become an integral part of the smithy. His days were filled with the constant clangor of hammers and the searing heat of the forges. The once scrawny boy was now as strong as many adults, his muscles developed far beyond his years. Yet, beneath his growing strength, the scars on his back served as a permanent reminder of the cost of weakness.
Rozeree, much to her chagrin, was stationed atop the town's walls. She was forced to scan the horizon for hours, searching for threats and resources. She had developed an uncanny ability to sense approaching danger, often detecting Yokai long before they became visible.
While Daglan approached his work in the smithy with determination, each day on the wall was a bitter reminder of Rozeree's confined existence. Her dreams of adventure and freedom seemed more distant with each passing week. The respect she had earned from the adults was hollow, and work kept her from her father and Daglan more and more.
As another day dawned, the aroma of sizzling meat wafted through the cottage, a siren call that shot Daglan from his bed as it did every morning.
Rozeree lay motionless, staring at the ceiling with hollow eyes. The enticing smell of breakfast couldn't penetrate the fog of melancholy that shrouded her.
One day we'll be ascendants! Rozeree scoffed and tossed her body to the side. I'll never get to leave. I wish the Yokai would just rip this place apart.
Daglan's voice rang out, echoing down the hallway. "Rozeree! You coming?"
A muffled groan was the only response Rozeree could muster.
In the kitchen, Daglan's gray eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Morning, Silvas! What's for breakfast?" He plopped into a chair, drumming his fingers on the table in eager anticipation.
Silvas quirked an eyebrow at Daglan's exuberance. "The usual. Meat, and greens. Eat up and don't waste it."
But Daglan was already reaching for a plate.
The floorboards creaked, announcing Rozeree's arrival. She shuffled into the kitchen, her bright blue eyes dulled by dark circles. Her arm hung limply in a sling, a remnant of yesterday's grueling training.
"Arm still bothering you?" Silvas's voice was gruff, but her eyes held a hint of concern.
Rozeree shrugged her good shoulder, slumping into a chair. "It's fine."
Daglan spat though a mouth full of eggs. "Come on, Rozeree! It's a beautiful day. We could go exploring after our duties. Maybe we'll find some new Yokai tracks!"
Rozeree's eyes flashed with a mixture of pain and anger. "What's the point?"
Silvas slammed a plate down on the table, her bright blue eyes flashing. "What is with you lately?! You want to leave? Get stronger. Until then, quit being rude to everyone!"
As the tension in the room grew, Koshu lumbered in yawning loudly. He ruffled Rozeree's hair affectionately, then paused, his eyes darting between the girls.
"I think I may have something to cheer you guys up," he said, reaching for the untouched salad bowl. "I know you guys are feeling cramped," Koshu began, his gravelly voice softening. "I know how these years of life can be… frustrating. Your training has shown remarkable progress. Silvas and I have seen your strength grow. So, I've decided…" The words hung in the air for a moment, "You'll both join us on a hunt."
Rozeree couldn't contain her excitement, "are you serious?! We get to go outside the wall?!"
"Koshu. They're far too young for that." Silvas's brow furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval.
Koshu raised a hand, silencing the children's celebration.
"Yes, they are," his tone suddenly turned serious. His gaze bore into Daglan and Rozeree, pinning them in place. "But you'll both be on your absolute best behavior. You're there to observe, nothing more. You'll carry gear, that is it. If there's any hint of danger and I order you to run, you do so without hesitation or question. Is that clear?" The shift in his demeanor was palpable. Gone was the indulgent father, replaced by the stern hunter and protector of Graybarrow. Rozeree straightened instinctively, feeling the weight of his words, her brother doing the same.
"Yes, sir," they chorused.
"Now, Rozeree, since you're on lookout, Daglan will go first. You'll switch next hunt."
Seriously?! I get left out again?! Rozeree's face fell for a moment before she masked her disappointment, her eyes darting between Koshu and Daglan. She forced a smile, trying not to let her envy show.
"Really? When do we leave? What should I bring?" Daglan's chair clattered to the floor as he sprang up, forgotten in his enthusiasm. The words tumbled out in a rush, his eyes wide and shining with anticipation. His chest heaved with each breath, barely containing his excitement.
Koshu's voice remained firm. "We leave at first light. Pack light—water, some dried meat, and an extra knife. Remember, you're there to learn and assist. Not to be a burden or hero."
As Daglan nodded vigorously, while Rozeree did everything she could to hold back the welling tears in her eyes..
The sun-bleached stone of Graybarrow's wall bit into Rozeree's elbows as she leaned over the edge, her keen eyes fixed on the bustling preparations below. A knot tightened in her stomach as she watched Daglan. He was all eager smiles and boundless energy, struggling to hoist a heap of quivers and axes onto his back. Beside him, Koshu's burly frame cast a protective shadow, his dark beard barely concealing a proud grin.
Dad's favorite, Rozeree's fingers dug into the rough stone.
A sudden touch on her back made her yelp, whirling to face an attempt at a reassuring smile from her aunt.
Her voice was softer than usual. "Daglan is quite excited."
Rozeree's eyes narrowed, "I know."
Silvas pressed a pair of binoculars into her hands. "Hurry, look," she urged
With a dramatic sigh, Rozeree complied.
Down below, Daglan's heart raced with excitement as he caught sight of his sister on the wall. The weight of the quivers and axes on his back seemed to vanish as he waved enthusiastically, his scraggly gray hair catching the morning light.
"Look, Koshu! She sees us!" Daglan exclaimed, bouncing on his toes. The thrill of the upcoming hunt coursing through his veins.
Koshu's deep chuckle rumbled beside him. "I see her, Daglan," his armor clinked as he waved, "but we need to get going."
Daglan nodded, his grin widening. As they turned to leave, he cast one last glance at the wall, catching a glimpse of Rozeree lowering her binoculars. A twinge of guilt pierced his excitement. You'll get to go next time, don't worry. He gave another wave, and soon his mind was filled with visions of the journey ahead.
Rozeree's bright blue eyes fixated on Daglan as the hunters gathered at the gate, their armor glinting faintly in the early morning light. Rozeree hesitated, torn between waving back and glaring. Finally, she crossed her arms and looked away.
Silvas stepped up beside her, "I'm sorry you couldn't go."
Rozeree didn't respond, her lips tightening.
"You know, Koshu and I are proud of you," Silvas continued, her tone faltering. "He…we. We just don't always know how to show it."
Rozeree huffed. "Proud of Daglan, you mean." Her words were sharp, but her voice cracked.
Silvas sighed, brushing her dark hair away. "It's not like that. We—" She cut herself off and placed a firm hand on Rozeree's shoulder. "We're doing the best we can."
Rozeree shrugged her off, glaring at the horizon. "Your best isn't enough."
Rozeree felt a twinge of guilt as her aunt looked away, backing off for the first time. But she turned away, pretending not to notice.
The ancient hinges groaned in protest as the massive gate doors slowly parted, unveiling a world Daglan had only dreamed of. His gray eyes widened at the barren ground tha stretched out endlessly before him. Finding it hard to wrap his mind around its sheer vastness. But it was the left horizon that stole Daglan's breath away.
There, piercing the sky, loomed Hel's Peaks. A mountain range that ripped through the heavens, each craggy summit outdoing the last in its race to touch the stars.
Daglan's heart quickened, his imagination soaring higher than the peaks themselves.
As the clang of armor signaled their move, Daglan's gaze was shifted to the right. The wastes gave way to an abrupt explosion of life– Xaros Forest. His eyes widened, drinking in the sight of vegetation unlike any he'd ever imagined. It was as if the forest had greedily pulled all life from the surrounding area into itself, creating a stark divide between barren land and lush abundance. Towering trees formed the forest's core, while around them a chaotic tangle of green thrived. The leafy towers rose so high and dense it cast an otherworldly shadow over everything in its vicinity, making it impossible to discern what lay beyond its green veil.
"Daglan." Koshu's voice cut through the air. Daglan snapped forward, startled by the unfamiliar tone. It was harsher, more commanding than even Silvas at her most demanding. "I told you to keep up."
The words struck Daglan, propelling him forward until he fell in line with the rest of the group. As they neared the forest's edge, the temperature plummeted. Daglan's breath materialized before him in wispy clouds. A chill wind whispered through the dense foliage, carrying with it sounds that made Daglan's hair stand on end. It was as if the forest itself was alive, murmuring secrets…and threats.
Shivers raced down Daglan's spine, but the fear only fueled him. Every sense was heightened, his body thrumming with the anticipation. Just as he felt he might burst from the tension, Koshu called for a halt.
The burly man crouched down, bringing himself to Daglan's eye level. He pointed towards a small stream that cut through the landscape ahead. "Do you see those plants by the water?"
Daglan squinted, focusing on a cluster of tall, crimson bushes that lined the stream's banks. Nestled among the deep red leaves, golden flowers bloomed, their vibrant petals a stark contrast to their surroundings.
"The flowers are extremely toxic," Koshu's voice had shifted back to soft and calm. "They're great deterrents for small yokai. And the leaves have antiseptic properties."
Daglan's brow furrowed. "What's 'antespic'?" he asked, stumbling over the unfamiliar word.
Koshu gave a low, rumbling chuckle, like thunder on the wind. "Antiseptic," he corrected gently. "It means it can help stop infections and things like that."
As they approached the stream, the hunters moved with practiced caution. With deft, precise movements, they began snipping the golden blooms, allowing them to fall into small cloth bags. Once full, they tied the bags securely and passed them to Daglan, who carefully stowed them in his pack.
"Be careful with those," Koshu warned, his eyes never leaving the task at hand. "Don't let them touch you, or you'll get a rash that'll make Silvas's training feel like a picnic."
Daglan nodded quietly, marveling at the world around him. Somehow despite how deep and dark the forest was, they could always see at least a few trees ahead. And the animals didn't scurry off like the rodents around town. No, they sat and stared, eyeing Daglan even as he stared back.
In no time the hunters had cut down and bagged a large portion of the plants before Koshu made the signal to keep moving. They still needed meat.
Atop the wall, Silvas stood beside Rozeree as she scanned the dense canopy. The treetops were a living tapestry concealing untold dangers.
"So…do you want to talk? You've been arguing with Daglan a lot lately." Silvas ventured, breaking the tense silence.
"No."
"You guys compliment each other well. You'll go far together, and you can learn a lot from each other."
"I don't care. He doesn't want to–" Suddenly, Rozeree stiffened, her eyes widening. A familiar, inexplicable sensation washed over her like fire and ice ripping through her body.
"He doesn't want to what?"
Without a word, Rozeree lunged for the fireworks. Her small hands moved with speed and certainty that surprised even her.
"Rozeree, what's—" Silvas started, before the fireworks screamed skyward. Exploding with a thunderous boom that shattered the forest's eerie quiet.
The sound reverberated through the trees, a piercing intrusion that cut through the cacophony of rustling leaves and creaking branches.
But the danger had already found them.
The band of hunters surrounded Daglan, swords and guns at the ready. Koshu at the head, his focus ahead of him.
Daglan furrowed his brow in confusion. He had been ready to see disgusting abominations or even a huge vicious beast. But standing before him was a man. He had dark skin and multi-colored eyes. One a deep, foreboding red, the other a calm, tranquil blue. He wore an impeccably tailored suit, his dark hair slicked back, exuding an air of casual sophistication that seemed jarringly out of place. Daglan's eyes darted between the stranger and the grim-faced hunters, trying to understand their extreme reaction.
"My son is with me," Koshu's voice broke the silence, a plea soaked in grief and barely contained anger. "Don't do this."
Daglan's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Koshu's plea. He had never heard his father sound so scared, or angry. Confusion wracked his brain as he tried to make sense of the situation. In a heartbeat, the stranger moved – a blur too fast for Daglan's eyes. His breath caught as a pistol materialized against Koshu's chin. Yet his father stood unflinching, massive fist pressing against the man's chest.
Time seemed to freeze.
Daglan's pulse pounded in his ears.
"You of all people must have figured it out by now." The stranger's words dripped with malice, but his eyes were filled with sorrow.
Koshu's sigh seemed to carry the weight of mountains. "I did."
"It's the only way. What if I fail?"
"She deserves a choice." Steel resolve rang in every syllable.
"I know. But she doesn't have one." A deep sigh came from the man before he looked away. "They can run."
Koshu's gaze found Daglan, "I love you," Koshu's voice was soft but firm. His eyes hardened with determination. "Tell Rozeree I love her. Please protect her, stay strong, both of you. The path ahead, it won't be easy and she's going to need you." He looked at the hunters. "Now run." Before Daglan could process what his adoptive father just said, the world exploded.
In a heartbeat, hunters snatched Daglan off his feet, their retreat a blur of motion. But even as they fled, he could just make out the battle behind them.
Each of Koshu's blows caused trees to shatter like glass, entire groves swept aside by the sheer force of his blows. His father's skin blazed a deep, terrifying red, each punch leaving craters in the earth. Daglan knew he was powerful, but he never imagined this. Yet, with all of Koshu's power, the mysterious man danced through the destruction, his movements liquid grace, always a hair's breadth from annihilation.
A beast roared deep within Daglan. "Stop!" he thrashed and screamed against his captor's iron grip. "We can't leave him! What are you doing?!" Rage and terror warred within him, a maelstrom of emotion that threatened to tear him apart. "Let me go!"
Through eyes blurred by tears and trees, Daglan struggled to see the battle. Both combatants moved with inhuman speed, their forms blending into streaks of color. Yet even to his untrained eye, he could see two things.
They were both using Lechi martial arts.
And Koshu was losing.
A trail of crimson spattered the ruined landscape, marking his father's desperate dance. Daglan's heart clenched. He couldn't follow their blows, but the blood told a tale he couldn't ignore.
Then, in a moment of horrifying clarity, time seemed to slow. The mysterious man scooped up a fallen branch, the wood shifting with a metallic sheen, his movement a liquid blur. Koshu's fist cratered the earth where his opponent had stood a split-second before. And then—
The steely branch plunged into Koshu's stomach.
"Koshu!" Daglan's scream tore through the air, raw and primal. Adrenaline surged. His elbow snapped back, connecting with his carrier's spine. The hunter yelped, his grip loosening just enough. Daglan twisted free, hitting the ground running.
The battlefield of devastated foliage and splattered crimson stretched before him. Koshu knelt, blood cascading from his mouth and impaled stomach. Bullet wounds peppering his massive frame. Opposite him, the mysterious man wavered on his feet, chest heaving. Blood matted his hair, sealing one eye shut. His once-immaculate suit hung in tatters, and his stabbing arm dangled uselessly, a mess of shattered bone and torn flesh.
The sight ignited something in Daglan. Hatred. Pure and molten. A beast within him roared, ready to taste blood. He launched himself forward, eyes locked on those mismatched irises, every fiber of his being screaming for vengeance.
"DAGLAN, GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"
Koshu's roar shook the world. The ground trembled, trees swayed, and Daglan felt the words reverberate through his very bones. But still, he ran, driven by a force he couldn't name, towards a fight he couldn't possibly win.
Pain exploded through his skull as something hard cracked against his head. The world spun. A dizzying whirl of stars and shadows erupted behind his eyes. His legs buckled, and the forest floor rushed up to meet him.
"Gods Daglan! He said run!" Rough hands seized him, hauling his limp body upward. The forest blurred as someone ran, Daglan slung over their shoulder. He fought to stay conscious, his head lolling with each jolting step.
As darkness crept in, Daglan's fading vision caught one last glimpse: two battered figures—one massive and crimson-skinned, the other lean and tattered—squaring off for another devastating clash.
Miles away, the forest could be seen trembling.
"I AM KOSHU STRUMFELS! THE WORLD BREAKER!"
The roar shook the very foundations of Graybarrow's walls. Rozeree's rage and fear burned through her like molten lave as she fought against Silvas's iron grip.
"Let me go!" she screamed, tears of anger and desperation streaking her face. "He's in trouble! Why aren't you helping him?! Let go!"
Silvas remained motionless, her eyes fixed on the sea of treetops below, her grip like a stone statue. Yokai burst from the canopy in panicked flight, a storm of wings and terrified shrieks.
Suddenly, in one fluid motion, Silvas yanked Rozeree's head into her chest, enveloping her in a bone-crushing embrace. The abrupt shift from restraint to comfort left Rozeree reeling.
"Uhh... Silvas?" Rozeree mumbled, confusion replacing her fury. "S-stop! We need to help dad!"
Silvas's voice was barely a whisper, heavy with emotion Rozeree couldn't name. "It's over, Rozeree. Let's go help the hunters back in."