Year of the Ram – Eighth Entry
Despite being ambushed by the primeran duo known as the
Sirens, we managed to form a temporary alliance with them through
Animal's rather naive efforts. I can only assume that they have their
own goals regarding the city of Pandemonium, for why else would they
so suddenly have a drastic change in demeanor when Animal mentioned
our destination? Ultimately it mattered not, for we would keep a
close eye on them along the way. That is if they could bear Animal's
excruciating barrage of questioning. As we made camp, Kate and I
began to discuss more and built the foundation to my respect for her
and her kind. Though I know that there are a number of very cruel
humans, Kate stands as example of how one should not be judged by
first impressions. During the night, she inquired why I was so
adamant about securing ourselves before nightfall. I felt the need to
avoid the answer, as I was fearful of tarnishing what little trust
she had for our kind. The Chimera are a great shame to all primerans,
a testament to what we can become if we allow ourselves to give in to
that most heinous vice of our savage progenitors. I stand by my
decision to provide her with such a cryptic explanation, but I know
full well that she will learn the truth soon enough. I can only hope
that she will look past our race's most vile offense and see us as
individuals as I have done for her.
When we awoke the next morning, we made our way to the
outer wall of Pandemonium and took in the sight of city that was
built by the Zodiac Ministry. Though it was indeed an impressive
sight, there was always a feeling of sadness that lingered in my
mind. Kate was similarly having her own mixed emotions while Animal
seemed to simply marvel at the sight of it. Agrond seemed to want to
scoff at the city that lay before him. As for out new guests, Trill
seemed overcome with feelings that were far more complex than
anything we could have been experiencing as Durga tried to speak to
her away from of our group.
Once we had collected ourselves and decide to approach
one of the main gates, a massive blast of air and debris came our way
from behind us. A midst the whirling dust and air they appeared
before us, my brother and his band of thieves. To appear here of all
places at a time such as this, I was shocked at first that my brother
would be so bold as to show his face before us knowing well that we
would have come to get the scroll. But, I also held on to the hope
that this meant that we had beaten him here and may of chance to
retrieve the scroll before he could try to barter it off to one of
the Zodiac Ministers.
My brother, Genkaku, stood in the center of his
companions. To his right, the Crocodylidae Toyotama, a vain and
insatiable female who claims to be descended from royalty, and
Yashima, a Canidae, who is a self proclaimed magician and wielder of
ancient magics. To his left, Raiju, a battle craving Mustelidae who
wields a massive sword said to command thunder and lighting, and
Tono, a young Geoemydidae said to possess unrivaled strength.
Together, they had made a name for themselves across the lands under
the watch of the Zodiac Ministry as notorious thieves and assassins
with a perfect success rate. The only solace I find in this is that
at least in these lands he has a chance of remaining alive despite
his nefarious acts. Should he ever try to embark into the lands ruled
by the Black Hearts, I fear that his days as a thief, and even a
primeran, would be cut short. Though seeing him fills me with rage at
his betrayal of our clan and staining the trust that the Dragons had
placed in us, I still care for him deeply and hope to see him return
to us. If not for the sake of returning honor to our clan, then at
least to fill the void in our family. With father gone, Kit has no
one to revere save for myself. Though I'm sure Kit looks up to me, I
fear that I am a poor example of the kind of fox that Kit should
aspire to be. I have dedicated myself to my master, and I feel that
makes me selfish and weak. I want Kit to follow someone who lives for
others, not themselves, as I unfortunately do.
“My dear friends, it would seem that my valiant little
sister has amassed quite the merry band against us.”
Genkaku teased us as his comrades snickered. Except of
course for Tono, who seemed oblivious as to my brother's sarcasm. I
believe that Genkaku is simply taking advantage of the poor child to
utilize her immense strength. If I could hope for anything more than
retrieving the scroll, it would be to free her from his influence.
“Dearest sister, I do believe your side has one too
many. You can't expect us to participate in the festivities as equals
when you out number us. So, who is it that will not be along side
you, hmm? Your precious dragon I'm sure is must. I see you have human
in tow. Very bold of you, but perhaps you'd be better off with the
tiger or perhaps even the-”
Genkaku's taunting made little sense to me regarding
losing a member of our party. His comrades applauded his remarks but
silenced them quickly with the raise of a single hand when he stopped
suddenly. His gaze had become fixed upon Trill, and a smile laced
with teeth crawled across his face. Before any of us could respond,
Animal was the one to step forward and retaliate with his own words.
“You're the ones that stole from Takai, right? Give
what you took back and go away. Unless you want to apologize and be a
family again. That would be the right thing to do.”
Genkaku and his band were left in pure silence before
exploding into fits of laughter. Tono began to speak for a moment
until she was silenced by Genkaku.
“Oh sister! What a gift you have given us this day!
Seems you have quite the penchant for picking the most useless of
allies imaginable! Why, I dare say that-”
Genkaku's words and the laughter of his cohorts were
immediately silenced when Animal did little more than gaze harshly in
their direction, his stance firm and menacing. From Animal, an
unnatural force cascaded outward and washed over Genkaku and his
minions, nearly knocking them over as they recoiled back. Looking to
Agrond for answers, he only looked at Animal with a sense of anxiety
and dread. Even more concerned, were my brother's accomplices.
“Boss... Did you feel that? What have you gotten us
into this time!?” exclaimed Raiju.
“Yes, Genkaku-sama. I would hope you have an answer
for this.” said Toyotama.
“Silence. This is but a mild set back. In fact, it
only sweetens the payoff if we play this right. Yashima, make sure
that one is the first to go.”
“As you wish, Genkaku-sama, but I must admit that I
won't enjoy the task...”
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