|
|
Post by ѕρσттεdѕнιммεя on Oct 13, 2017 3:12:37 GMT -5
"Together as one, we will stand united for all eternity."
The vow that was said so long ago, when the world had started over and the younger were ignorant. Four, five and six year olds had stood together for the first time, all holding each other's hand. Forms that were not of human blood, thirteen individual beings with an extraordinary power within them had become one.
Learning at a fast pace, they grew up too fast and were unsure of a childhood nor adulthood, being in a limbo in-between. This had left them unprepared and were sheltered far too long, each of them eventually being struck down.
One by one, they had fallen and the red color of blood had seemed to have left them. The thirteen had been defeated by the darkness that soon plagued the world. Together, they had grouped together one last time to face the tower that had been built just for them.
Twelve last gifts for the leader of them all, to be taken upon himself as he reaches up to the tower to start over a new generation to shed a new light and join the stars above. However, the other twelve of the golden blood refused to let him go alone.
Thirteen beings went into the ancient tower of stone to reset the world's timeline, an offer by the very first Celestial Divines, never to exit again.
"Together as one, we will stand united for all eternity." indexPrologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . completed
Chapter I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . completed
Chapter II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . completed
Chapter III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tbd
Chapter IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tbd
Chapter V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tbd
Chapter VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tbd
more to be added....
disclaimerWhile the idea of these zodiacs as well as the plot and story behind it belong to me, their forms were influenced by Fairy Tail as well as a bit of lore was influenced by Fruits Basket and Fullmetal Alchemist. This writing prompt was brought up by the song "Blessed Messiah and the Tower of AI" which is sung by Vocaloid singers, ten of them to be exact.
Since this is after my role-play, certain characters were not created by me and do not belong to me in any right. Kitamura Kohaku (Scorpio), Kuga Haru (Pisces), Kikuchi Ren (Aquarius) and Chiba Shou (Pride/Superbia) belong carmine. and Kurosawa Hideki (Capricorn) as well as Ishikawa Natsumi (Virgo) belong to ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ as characters. |
|
|
|
Post by ѕρσттεdѕнιммεя on Oct 13, 2017 3:41:17 GMT -5
reviewsnone yet! meet the characters• Taurus -- the Bullxx Shimura Keiji
A seventeen year old with a bad temper and a mouth that doesn't know when to stop, Keiji stands at 172 centimeters tall with paler skin. His gray eyes are often displaying his mood and he's constantly scowling at something. To defy school rules, he bleached his short, spiky black hair to a very pale blonde color. He's the origin of the term "stubborn as a bull" because once he sets his mind to something, he won't let up on it. He hates hypocrisy and generally doesn't stand for it. While he has a short temper, he's typically calm and a bit on the collected side, though he's still a smart-alec.
In his Celestial form, he has the tail of a black bull and the legs of one as well. He develops bull horns on his head and becomes quite a lot more muscular. There will be a golden ring around his nose and he will have a black skin-tight shirt and a black leather jacket over that. Last of all, is his red cape behind him. Around his neck in a golden chain, will be a emerald necklace.
• Scorpio -- the Scorpion
xx Kitamura KohakuEasily excitable with a constant fascination with everything around him is this affectionate eighteen year old. With a height of 170 centimeters, he has grown out inky black hair that's often put into a low ponytail that rests on his shoulder with warm, affectionate brown eyes. With a hidden obserative side, he's got more going on than it seems. Though to some he could appear little on the naive side of things, he is a bit more complex than that deep down. He definitely has a large ego and is quick to talk about himself or his interests. Once he's into something he'll always be 100% into it and will protect that cause no matter the cost towards him.
Generally shirtless with a scorpion-influenced form, Scorpio's right arm turns into a silvery metallic scorpion arm that can blast fire at others. He has this metallic scorpion body theme from his waist down as well, being he has a scorpion's body, legs and tail from below his waist. Around his neck is a golden chained necklace with a topaz gem on it.
• Cancer -- the Crab
xx Izanagi Masaru
With a fox-like face and a childish, playful manner, this seventeen year old could remind you of a three-way mix between the Gemini Twins and Sagittarius. With 180 centimeters as his height, his light brown red-tinted hair is a bit long, nearly reaching his shoulder, but clipped and styled carefully, with a lot of hair-spray in a spiky fashion that literally only he could pull off. His bangs are clipped to the left side of his face with four black pins, creating two 'x' formations. His amber gaze is often playful and he's a pretty fun guy to be around. While lazy and quick to give up, he's pretty darn compassionate and willing to mess around or style you up, having a great fashion sense. He's quick to contradict himself, being quite the sassy guy. But his heart is in the right place and that's what matters.
For his Celestial form, he has a black dress shirt with a light red tie, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His pants and shows are also of a nice dress brand. He does have two extra limbs, these being the light red and white colored pinching claws of a crab. In addition to this, he has two pairs of crab-themed scissors and a pair of extremely dark sunglasses. He wears a golden chained necklace with a moonstone gem in it.
• Leo -- the Lion
xx Kisaragi Tadashi
At eighteen years of age is the gentle giant that looks quite intimidating and frightening upon first inspection. With a looming height of 192 centimeters, his large and fit form tends to frighten most people, as if his stoic and silent disposition didn't already. He has short, neatly trimmed inky black hair and very dark brown eyes that have very hard to notice golden flecks near the pupil. He's gentle and very kind, though he does not speak very often nor does he smile too often. While he's action-oriented, he will use words to get his point across if he feels the need. He tends to hold grudges and doesn't forgive nor forget and once you lose his trust, you lose it for good unless you had a very specific good reason. There's also this nasty over-protective habit that he has of his "family", or rather, the other twelve zodiacs.
In Celestial form, he has a long black lion's tail and ears, not to mention a sharp smile, like the Gemini twins. However he's the only (part-)feline that isn't influenced by Gemini. He has on a very nice black and white suit and dress shoes. Instead of a necklace, he has a gold ring with a peridot in it.
• Gemini -- the Twins
xx Nekiyuko Katashi
One of the mischievous Gemini Twins, this is the elder of the two, though you wouldn't be able to tell unless you see them both in their Celestial Form and remember whom is whom; which they make an extremely hard challenge. This sixteen year old stands at 177 centimeters tall with a narrow, fox-like face. His somewhat shaggy, but well groomed light auburn colored hair is the one thing that shows a slight difference from his brother, being that he styles his bangs to the left. He has the same stormy bright blue eyes that his brother does and that's pretty much all you'll get for help on who's who in his human form. Up often to mischief, he is almost never seen without his brother at his side, the two speaking in unison and acting in unison as if their looks weren't hard enough to tell them apart. They're super curious about a lot of things, but they're also super intense and hard to adjust to. A little rude towards those they don't trust, they typically are closed in within their own little world and rarely welcome others into it. The elder twin, you should note, however, is more panicked without his brother and on edge and tends to be more emotionally immature and aggressive than his brother.
For the twins' Celestial Form, their attire changes to complete black; black, stretchy fur long-sleeved shirt that merges into their paws, black skinny jeans and black combat boots. They also wear and black and silver striped scarf around their necks, both having a golden chained aquamarine necklace around their necks. But that's where similarities stop in their Celestial form. While they look very similar, in Celestial form, they can be distinguishable. As the elder twin, he has the ears, paws and tail of a tiger.
xx Neikyuko Satoshi
One of the mischievous Gemini Twins, this is the younger of the two, though you wouldn't be able to tell unless you see them both in their Celestial Form and remember whom is whom; which they make an extremely hard challenge. This sixteen year old stands at 177 centimeters tall with a narrow, fox-like face. His somewhat shaggy, but well groomed light auburn colored hair is the one thing that shows a slight difference from his brother, being that he styles his bangs to the right. He has the same stormy bright blue eyes that his brother does and that's pretty much all you'll get for help on who's who in his human form. Up often to mischief, he is almost never seen without his brother at his side, the two speaking in unison and acting in unison as if their looks weren't hard enough to tell them apart. They're super curious about a lot of things, but they're also super intense and hard to adjust to. A little rude towards those they don't trust, they typically are closed in within their own little world and rarely welcome others into it. The younger twin, you should note, however, is more calm without his brother and patient, tending to be more understanding and friendly than his brother.
For the twins' Celestial Form, their attire changes to complete black; black, stretchy fur long-sleeved shirt that merges into their paws, black skinny jeans and black combat boots. They also wear and black and silver striped scarf around their necks, both having a golden chained aquamarine necklace around their necks. But that's where similarities stop in their Celestial form. While they look very similar, in Celestial form, they can be distinguishable. As the younger twin, he has the ears, paws and tail of a tabby ginger cat.
• Capricorn -- the Goat
xx Kurosawa Hideki
At eighteen years of age, this shy and dependable zodiac is one of the most ambitious and practical people you'll ever meet. Standing at 165 centimeters tall, he has very dark cool-toned colored wave-tousled hair with dark colored eyes to match. With a large sense of humor and a dependable disposition, he's someone you can count on as well as have fun with, having more of a tolerable and patient personality. He does have a bit of anxiety, but it is something that he can over-come if it really comes down to it.
Simply explained, his Celestial Form is that of a humanoid goat that wears a black suit, his fur being that of a snowy white color. He also wears dark sunglasses. He wears his gold chained necklace with the garnet gemstone.
• Sagittarius -- the Archer
xx Kishida Hotaru
This seventeen year old is a bright and optimistic little ball of sunshine whom loves to be around others. Being below the average height at 157 centimeters tall, he doesn't seem like too much. Small, but surprisingly strong with sea green-blue colored eyes and soft, wavy blonde hair, his bangs being dyed a very dark brown color. He has a splash of freckles on his nose as well, very hidden. A true friend at heart, he's got that cheerful ray of sunshine personality down to perfection, forgiving and forgiving without blinking an eye. A little naive and can easily be made a doormat, his willingness to help and childish manner is well appreciated with that friendly cheer about him. There is the fear of being alone and the fear of being forgotten as well as the whole ordeal with him being the world's worst liar and most easiest person to upset over simple things that he messes up.
In his Celestial Form, waist up, he looks normal, with a quiver of ever-ending arrows and a special bow of his. Hotaru's body from his human waist down is that of a Mustang stallion, standing at about 203 centimeters tall in this form. His body is mainly of a handsome buckskin coat, meaning most of his body is a nice golden tan color. However, his long tail, dorsal stripe down his back, hooves and from his knees down, is completely black. He also has elf-ish looking ears in this form. He also wears a gold chained necklace with the turquoise gemstone.
• Aquarius -- the Water Bearer
xx Kikuchi Ren
This hard-working and accepting girl is a practical sixteen year old whom is quite mature for her age. Standing at 160 centimeters tall, she has gentle feature about her that makes her seem like a small doe, in a sort of way. With a lower voice and short trimmed mocha brown hair and a general small frame, she could easily be mistaken as a male. This level-headed and patient female has beautiful, wide brown eyes that, with her long lashes, definitely catch your attention. She's mature, sensible and reliable, being a practical, but helpful and kind individual. While she doesn't turn to others too much and stays a bit solitary, she can get herself into situations for not reaching out when she needs it the most. But as a general sense of character, she's a very accepting and non-judgmental person who will be by your side when you need her.
In Celestial Form wears a silky blue strapless dress with beautiful feathers on the back and white boots smooth as sea-shells. However, her body is made up completely of water. She wears a golden pearl necklace with a amethyst gemstone on it.
• Pisces -- the Fish
xx Kuga Haru
The calm and composed seventeen year old, here, is one of the most complex individual you may meet. With a height of 164 centimeters, she has a tapestry of dark black hair and the most enchanting dark brown colored eyes that are nearly black in color. She's a mysterious individual with quite a lot of layers to her personality, with a mischievous glint to her smile here and there, sometimes seeming to work with the Gemini Twins in their doings. While he's a little complex, she's generous, intelligent, yet eccentric, crafty, a little lazy and unpredictable. A complete mixture of things that makes her the unique individual that she is.
In general, her Celestial Form is pretty normal from waist up, if you are fine with her wearing a tube top of sea shells. But from waist down, is a beautiful scaled tail of a mermaid. See how that's awkward? She also, like Aquarius, wears a necklace of golden pearls with a blood-stone gemstone on it.
• Virgo -- the Maiden
xx Ishikawa Natsumi
A seventeen year old whom possesses a strange personality and disposition is this one. Being a little above average for a Japanese female, she stands at 170 centimeters wall. With nearly waist-length inky black hair and extremely dark colored eyes, she's got a bit of a dark, yet beautiful look about her. A perfectionist who has to make everything perfect, she makes sure that what she's doing is of quality to meet her own personal standards. Secretive, yet diciplined, she's someone who can and will get things done. Under her front, she's a bit sensitive and emotional. However, she keeps it under lock and key with her usual strange attitude and demeanor.
For her Celestial Form, wears a maid's outfit and shoes, with chained cuffs around her wrists, which she can manipulate. She doesn't have claws or strange teeth or a tail or fur. The only strange things are the wrist cuffs and chains around her wrists. And the fact that she looks like a maid. She also wears a gold chained necklace with a sapphire gem in it.
• Libra -- the Scales
xx Aoikyo Hikari
Thought a little unsteady and gullible with things, this seventeen year old is a stubborn and well disciplined figure that is almost sort of motherly. Being the shortest of the zodiacs at 151 centimeters, she has a light black sort of color for her hair that almost has a bluish tint in sunlight as well as soft gray-blue eyes that hold a certain sternness in them when she has to. A bit more happy-go-lucky, she's generally pretty happy and quick to give someone help. Very emotional and quick to feel empathy for another, she can get herself over-burdened and over-whelmed easily. She's a little on the creepy side, loving ghost stories and loving to creep others out, but she's a sweetheart deep down whom can get frustrated easily and is very observant as well as formal.
In her Celestial Form, she wears a soft purple dress that comes down to her knees, with white outlining and no sleeves, a white ribbon around her waist, Libra's outfit is more of a soft one. She has cute silver mouse ears and a cute little mouse tail as well, with long white gloves that go up to her elbow and white boots that reach just below her knees, though her white stockings go up to her mid thigh. She also, like the others, has a gold chained necklace with a opal gemstone in it.
• Aries -- the Ram
xx Chiharu Aika
A sixteen year old girl with below average height and build at a height of 154 centimeters. She has light brown eyes and long orange-tinted light brown hair that she styles into two curls on both sides of her head, just beneath her ear. She's a gentle, enthusiastic and cheerful girl, that is a bit of a doormat and a bit on the naive side of things. She's assertive and makes sure to get things done, but is mostly a very gentle and a bit on the timid side of things. Quiet, but not to the point of not easily hearing her, she's a little laid-back, but happy about doing whatever she wishes, nonetheless. A little too stubborn and perhaps someone with no physical boundaries, she tends to over-step a bit, but generally brushes it off as an accident.
In her Celestial form, her clothes are replaced with a long-sleeved dress of kitten-soft cotton, and has leather boots with the same cotton on the inside and out. She will have a beautiful diamond and gold necklace around her neck as well. She will get the tail of a lamb and the golden horns of a ram around her head |
|
|
|
Post by ѕρσттεdѕнιммεя on Oct 13, 2017 6:39:36 GMT -5
PrologueThere were few things that their dear precious leader wasn't aware of. He had been given access to nearly everything possible that he could possibly want to know. Kisaragi Tadashi was a quiet individual whom seemed to know everything when it had come to the Zodiacs and the Deadly Seven. But he was left unaware of one thing that the other twelve were given the gift of knowing.
We have awoken, young one, to give you a chance to set things right. But with this comes a great price.
Heaving on his side, the young seventeen year old male opened his eyes to look around him. His fur was matted and his tail tangled in knots. His left back leg was laying at an awkward angle that was painful for him, even when stationary. The metallic taste of blood was still in his mouth, never seeming to leave.
Had he gone delirious again? He wouldn't have been surprised. At this rate, he couldn't even remember his actual name. Funny how much of this treatment could do to one's mind. How long had they been here? Time had no meaning in this place of cold, dark hell.
You are hearing correctly, little one, this is not a delusion of your broken mind. Now awakened with the risk of losing everything, we give you and the rest of your family an offer.
Trying to form words with his swollen, cut lips didn't go well, only causing him pain as he tried. Wincing, his dulled sea green eyes focused on the vent upon the wall.
You may not be the leader, but we are giving you a choice, just as everyone else. If you escape, what you do there is your doing, but if you do not follow the path we offer you, your fate will most likely be the most unfortunate.
Unfortunate, huh? Well, anything seemed to be better than this. Beaten, cut, bruised, sliced, made a fool of. When was the last time he had eaten? Gotten water to drink? He couldn't really remember. He would take anything over this.
"Wha' d' you wa'?" he managed to croak out. He attempted to sit up and let out a yelp of pain, his legs not being in the best of conditions and that cut on his hindquarter was really looking bad, the golden blood plastered all around the wound with a nasty blackness within it.
If he stayed here, he wouldn't last much longer. Matted uneven fur, scabs of past wounds, bones that have been shattered and unable to heal properly, dehydration making his head pound and his mouth as dry as the desert, hunger gnawing at his insides like acid... To say that he was in a bad condition was an understatement.
He could only imagine how everyone else was. Aoikyo-san was probably far worse off than him. The poor girl was tinier than him in his human form. Everyone... he could only hope that they were better off than he was in this nearly completely darkened cell, where the shadows seemed to absorb any ray of light and take the warmth right out of his body.
If this offer was actually real, if it was something that he would have to give up, he'd do it in an instant. If it meant that he could get out of here, if it meant that everyone else would be able to get out too... he would offer up anything. He would rather die by his own terms with a good outcome rather than to sit and rot in this cell, slowly dying and wasting away.
Listen well, little Sagittarius of mine...
Chapter IYou will be freed from this prison, as long as you are willing to pass on your golden blood to the next generation.
It was a voice of warm light, seeming to be a soft golden glow in the dark of his empty, broken mind. Chained from the neck to the wall, the metal links making a loud noise whenever he moved his neck or head, making it obvious whenever he was about to move. Ankles chained to keep him from getting up from his knees, his hands cuffed behind his back to prevent any attempt at forming a weapon of light, he was going no where.
The darkness had taken over him by now. Broken, wounded, starved and dehydrated, there was no way that he would even have the strength to try and escape. For such a small person, his captor had been able to show insane amounts of strength. His suit torn and ragged, stained with a golden tint from the blood, his ears having nicks in them from all the cuts and trauma provided to his head in general. His tail was misplaced in several areas from the many times it had been broken severely and left to heal incorrectly.
The image that he once had was replaced with a hollow, beaten and tattered shell of whom he once was. Perhaps if he had been given a small ray of hope, a small chance that he could get his zodiac family safe, then maybe he wouldn't have let Superbia's darkness over-take his mind.
He had fought it at first, he really did. But watching one of his allies be killed directly in front of him, the person that he had taken in and started to bond with, the very person who had turned against everything he knew to save them... that was the thing that really started the cracks in his mind, not being able to take much more. Of course, listening to everyone be tortured and, of course, going through that pain and torment physically and mentally...
Even Leo the Lion could only take so much.
Tadashi.
There was that voice again. A moment of clarity, a flicker of life returning to those dark eyes that stared at the black cloth around his head.
My young blooded, there is something we would like to ask of you. We have an offer. We cannot stand by and let you nor the rest of your group end like this.
An offer.
Tadashi raised his head, the chained links rustling against each other softly, his ears flicking a little. There was a bit more clarity in his mind, as if he was being woke up from a deep sleep. And then it disappeared, his head lowering again.
It was most likely another one of Shou's mind games. He wouldn't get his hopes up for such a thing. It was his mental tricks that were the worst and Tadashi wasn't going to let it take him for granted.
There is a way out. You have experienced half the power of a Maiden. To let you and your family escape, the Original Maiden is willing to use her strength.
Escape? No, there was... no way to get away. Shou would find them with his shadows. All of the darkness belonged to him, and now that he was at his full power... there was no way to run.
There is a tower. The Tower of the Gate. With the twelve blessings inside, it protects the land that it looks over. A corrupted shadow wouldn't be able to face the light. Perhaps the Original One of Darkness, but not the individual that calls himself "Chiba Shou".
Chiba Shou.
Once more, with the words ringing clarity in his mind, he rose his head and took in a painful deep breath, straightening his back. He could... sense something. Something was near. But unlike with Superbia or Invidia, it wasn't one of malice.
The black cloth, stained with gold, was removed from his face, his dark eyes blinking to adjust to the being in front of him. A soft glow emitted from the being that had knelt down, his ginger hair thick like a lion's mane, his golden eyes gentle and soft.
Kisaragi Tadashi, you are a descendant of Leo the Lion, the King of the Zodiacs. You alone can have the power to restart a new life, letting go of your own golden blood and letting it flow into another's. While you were unsuccessful, the next one will be stronger and more able to protect the world.
He could hear this individual's words, even though his mouth never moved. There was a small chuckle and he patted Tadashi's head with a golden, gentle touch. Warmth flooded through him from that touch, the bitter cold of the dark disappearing, the pain numbing down.
Was this...?
Buttoning his cuffs in a nice way, the white suit of the male was more than familiar. His ginger ears flicked slightly and his tail swished in the air, seeming to push away all of the cold despair.
This was the first Divine Being.
Leo the Lion.
Young cub, to free yourself and your friends, you must take up our offer. The twelve blessings must be bestowed upon you before you can go up to the top of the tower to bring the new generation to life.
"Will the rest of them be freed as well?" His voice was as strong as it had been before, a small amount of surprise running through him. Leo only smiled and lifted Tadashi's chin so that their gazes could meet properly.
If that is what you wish. They will be allowed to go wherever they may choose. You, however, will be bound to the duty of passing on the golden blood.
"Then I agree." There was no hesitation as his deep, rich voice echoed around the dark walls. Leo's hand dropped to Tadashi's suit, trying to straighten up his jacket a little, even thought it was tattered and ruined. Every little touch of contact cleared his mind more and more, as if the broken pieces were being mended back together with the Celestial Being's warm light.
"Tadashi~" a sing-song voice, sweet as sugar voice came from outside the room. "You're talking awfully loud." Initially there might have been fear, but in the presence of such a warm light, his dark eyes hardened and stared at the door.
Do not worry, he cannot hear nor see me.
How curious.
"Will they be safe?" he asked, ignoring the sickeningly sweet voice from outside his cell. Leo blinked and tilted his head, looking up in genuine thought.
Hmm... an interesting question. Well, I suppose that depends on what they do. They'll be allowed to live within the Tower of the Gate's lands, which should keep them safe with you activating the blessings.
That was all he genuinely cared about. He had lost one of his allies, the very being that was once his enemy. However, something had changed and he switched sides, defending the Zodiacs. Whom was once the embodiment of Greed, was now a individual that Tadashi had let down. He didn't want to lose anyone else.
"Tadashi... how did you get your blindfold off?" The sweet tone of the creature outside his cell changed to one of a dark, frightening voice. "Who are you to think you can do anything?"
Leo put a finger to his lips and winked, seeming to know that Tadashi was about to say something. He put his hand over the eighteen year old's head.
Sleep well, the Maiden will be seeing you and your family now.
Drowsiness flooded his mind and his head drooped down, his eyes falling closed. Vaguely, before he fell into the comforting dark of sleep, he felt the chains be removed from his body.
The golden figure watched with a glowing pride as the tall figure disappeared, his body and mind alike being transported through a special domain with care. Adjusting his tie, Leo turned towards the door as it was opened.
"Tada-" the words cut off as genuine shock flooded those large, adorable brown eyes of a very small individual. First shock, then pure anger.
"What's wrong, little one?" Leo amused with a smile.
There was a moment of shock once again as the little blonde male looked back into the cell, as if only now seeing the golden figure of light in the cell. It took him a moment before he put it together.
"Leo the Lion... aren't you supposed to be dead?" his voice was colder than the winter temperature, his tone murderous. Leo gave a light-hearted shrug with a little bit of a chuckle.
"Didn't take to it," the Lion stated with a gentle, amused tone. His golden colored eyes glanced at the shadows around him and gave a small whistle, as if impressed. "You're the most powerful one I've seen in a while. No wonder they fell apart. Of course..." His golden gaze lost the friendly warmth in them like a snap of the fingers and he took a step forward. "... you attacked before they could handle it. Disgusting, aren't you? You are not fit to be called Pride the Arrogant."
"Smart words coming from the idiot that let them all get captured like this. It's really your fault, you know." Those words didn't seem to have an effect on the Celestial Being, his ears curving back and tail giving a lash. Much to Pride's surprise, his shadows couldn't even get near Leo. "What are you playing at?"
"It's about time that I did something." Leo took another step forward, his gaze threatening. "You try to go after them and I will purify your shadows and remove that blackened blood from your veins for the next generation to take place sooner than you'd expect it to."
With that, the Celestial Being disappeared. Chapter IIIt had been a week since he had come to his senses in this beautiful land. Where this was, Tadashi wouldn't be able to say. It was somewhere out of reach, in the mountains, he suspected. In a small hut was where he had blinked open his eyes.
At first, he had panicked, not knowing where he was or anything similar. He soon found that he was alone, with a note that said when he was ready, to follow the path up the mountain to the Tower of the Gate to activate the blessings.
His healing processed seemed more amplified than normal, that was for sure. His tail was completely in a cast, his lower left leg and right hand in one as well, bandages all around his body. Somehow, his suit had been restored and his necklace was back around his neck. How the Celestial Beings managed to do such a thing, he hadn't a clue. But he was amazed at it.
So this is the power of Virgo, huh? he had found himself wondering as he hobbled around the small hut, going in and out of consciousness at bits of time to find meals already cooked for him or his hair trimmed. Sometimes fresh bandages would be put over his wounds.
It was simply astounding.
The day that he woke up without the casts or any bandages, however, that was when he sprinted around with immense joy, like a cat finally filled with energy to run around at random. Perhaps it was the inner feline in him, or just the immense feeling of freedom that made him run around the entire day and explore the forest and area around the hut.
In his joy of being free, he almost forgot his obligation, his agreement.
Young cub. Do not forget.
"Right." Tadashi could only breathe in deeply and take a soft sigh, a smile on his lips. "Thank you." He could only imagine what the others would be like. Hotaru would be bounding everywhere and he could see even Keiji or Haru finding pleasure in this beautiful place.
During his recovery, he didn't sense anyone else nearby. But Leo had stated that they'd be transported to a safe domain, so Tadashi could only have hope that they were healthy and happy, together.
After being only for so long, however... the eighteen year old did severely miss the others. He missed the hugs from Hotaru or the gentle pats he'd give everyone. He missed seeing them smile, hearing them laugh.
All that he could hear, for who knows how long, were their screams and cries of pain and only watch as a limb be twisted in a horrible abnormal manner or a shadow pierce through them, their golden blood falling onto the floor. He hadn't seen them smile, he hadn't heard a genuine laugh... in a very long time.
Even so... if it was to protect them, he'd gladly walk this path alone.
He stayed outside the small bamboo hut again that night, gathering up his strength for the trip up the mountain. Strangely, his muscles had regained their regular form during that week of recovery as well. Back to the way he was before they had been... taken. Tadashi was someone who kept very fit and kept in shape, but the time that he had been held captive, his frame had grown far too small for his liking.
To say that he was impressed with Virgo was an understatement. Of course, he was also eternally grateful to her for what she did. She managed to get everyone to safety, and if his condition proved anything, she took care of everyone to get them back to the way things were supposed to be. Shaping his mind so that it could take the mental blows dealt to him during his imprisonment, making him feel... normal, even after all that.
His dark eyes scanned the sky for the star signs, going over each one with a gentle tenderness, thinking to himself silently over how he imaged each zodiac member was doing, how they'd react to such a beautiful place.
The grass was soft as the wool that Aika would provide sometimes, being able to manifest it sometimes. As the sign of Aries, she was... really something else. She would often spend the nights talking away as he would listen, pointing out constellations that he didn't even know existed. Star-gazing was an activity that he missed doing to most with her.
A soft thought entered his mind, wondering if she was looking at the same sky he was. If all of them were. Wherever they were... he dearly missed them. All twelve of them, from Aika to Katashi and Satoshi. His dozing thoughts consisted of only hope for their well-being and health, his eyes eventually falling shut under the beautiful night sky.
"Tadashi! C'mon, we're waitin' on ya!" Hotaru's voice rang clear through the air. He wasn't in Celestial form, but his human form. He seemed to be holding out his hand towards him.
Was he... kneeling?
"Oi, sir. We didn't go through all of that just to see you sit around." That was Katashi. How did he know that so suddenly? Tadashi normally couldn't tell him apart from his brother.
"Go on, sir. We're all waiting on you." That was Satoshi. The Cat. The younger Gemini twin. They stood side-by-side, but he just... somehow knew who was who.
A cheerful, yet gentle smile came into his vision and he swore he felt the wind grow warmer and softer, just like her gentle brown gaze meeting his as she tilted her head and gave a soft laugh, the sound being music to his ears.
"Go on, Dashi! We've been behind you this entire time, we won't cross those gates until you do!" His heart seemed to drop even more, his breathing becoming a little uneven as he tried to catch his breath. "Go on and start your adventure, you over grown cat! Everyone's counting on you!"
"You got this, Kisaragi!" Ah, that was Kohaku. That smile of his seemed to warm his heart even more. His eyes scanned over everyone whom was beaming at him, happy and healthy.
"Oi, oi, let's go wait somewhere that it isn't go breezy." Keiji was expected to be grumpy a bit. And yet, he was the one to take off his hoodie and wrap it around Hikari's tiny shoulders. The small girl hit him in the chest, resulting in the others giving a soft laugh. Their gazes all returned to him, though.
"We'll be waiting for you, Tadashi. Do your best!"
Waking up, he felt a warm tear find its way down his cheek. Sitting up, he gave a slow stretch and then looked towards the small hut. Best to leave it undisturbed, just the way he had came into it. Perhaps the others would eventually find it.
There was no room for hunger in his stomach as he got up and looked down the over-grown path that lead through the forest, heading up towards the mountain. Nervous butterflies began to fill up his stomach instead, unsure of what he was supposed to be doing and what was going to become of his family.
It's alright to be nervous, Tadashi. Your journey will start here. The hardest part of this will be taking that first step forward from any given starting point.
Leo seemed to be a talkative one, didn't he? Kind of ironic that he was such a person, since Tadashi was the complete opposite and rarely spoke at all. Either way, he appreciated the gentle nudge, even going as far as to enjoying his voice for the company.
And so it began.
It really was a beautiful place. The trees, the stone bridges over small streams, the stepping tones between river-banks. The birds sang a beautiful melody and the insects added to the orchestra behind the feathered creatures. The breeze was warm and gentle, making him think it was about the beginning of summer.
Six months, had it been, since he'd been out in the open like this? Back home, they lived in a secluded area that was protected by the forestry, but nothing like this. The air was sweeter here, seeming to give him energy just from breathing it in.
Once, he crossed paths with a small rabbit, whom stared up at him with a curious gleam in its black, round eyes. Freezing in place, not wanting to care the soft creature off, Tadashi slowly knelt down and held out his hand.
Try your pocket.
Not recognizing the female voice in his head, he could only assume it was Virgo or Aries. Sure enough, in his right pocket of his suit, he found a small carrot of a golden color. He handed it to the small white rabbit, whom took it and nibbled on it, letting him pet its soft, cloud-like fur before hopping off, leaving Tadashi contently in awe.
Off in the distance, up high, he saw the faint outline of what might be the Tower of the Gate. However, there was no assurance for him. Even through a day's worth of walking without more than two breaks, that outline didn't seem to get any closer.
The night had soon fallen upon Tadashi and, exhausted, he made his own little nesting ground under a tree, the moss here being even softer than the grass. The nights didn't seem to be cold in the least, getting at the perfect temperature and leaving him drowsy as well as content.
He made a point to look up at each star sign in the sky, all of them somehow visible in this sky, giving a silent good-night to each and every one of them. Once more, as he drifted off to sleep, Tadashi wished all twelve of the zodiac members a well and healthy day.
The second day of his journey up to the tower started at dawn, however, he didn't start moving until a little afterwards, waking up to see a warm breakfast on a white cloth with a small note.
Fold the cloth when you're done, my prince. I'll come retrieve it after you go on your way. Feel free to request any snacks.
Without a doubt, Tadashi was sure that this was Virgo, from all the text that he had read up on her and each of the original zodiacs. Giving no warning, there was another pang in his chest as he was reminded of Nastumi. He could only hope that she was doing well, Hideki probably taking good care of her. Ah, there was no doubting at all, not with Kitamura around.
Take care of them all for me, would you Kohaku? The thought had unexpectedly entered his mind, willing it towards the half-blooded Celestial Being of Scorpio, almost. He trusted the other immensely, having a special fondness in his heart for Kohaku more than most others. He could always count on him, no matter what.
Just as he did now, looking up at the morning sky. Tadashi had a feeling that everyone was definitely being taken care of and Kohaku was right there to make sure that everyone was alright. He was absolutely sure of it.
After eating his breakfast of grilled fish and a bowl of rice, he neatly folded up the white cloth and left the dishware and chopsticks on top of the soft fabric, just as the Celestial Being known as Virgo had requested of him.
Another day was spent climbing up the mountain path, sometimes taking a moment to look back over the beauty of the land or look at a flower and pick it, wishing he could give it to Aika or Kohaku or just any of the zodiacs in general, knowing that most of them would have loved it.
If Leo's words rang true, then they would be able to live here for the rest of their lives if everyone were to live in their own peaceful lives, if they were to stay in the blessed land of the Celestial Beings... then everything would be alright. They would all discover this beauty themselves.
A part of Tadashi began to wonder if they'd ever go up to this path and up to the Tower of the Gate. What would they do upon finding it? He already knew the Gemini Twins would try to find a way inside of it.
This path only reveals itself to those whom wish to see it. It will lead those that are not worthy away or disappear for those whom have no need to find such a thing. But even so, only you, little Leo, can open any of the doors that lead inside and to a blessing.
Was Leo reading his mind and his thoughts?
Yes, I am. Might as well keep you company, right?
Tadashi stopped in his tracks with a flat face as the glowing translucent figure of Leo the Lion appeared in front of him, giving his a wave and wink. Somehow he vaguely reminded him of Kohaku, in a weird sort of sense.
Still, he wasn't against the company in the least bit. Just even feeling the presence of another there, it made him relax a little more and feel a bit more at ease. Even if it was a super old Celestial Being who seemed to be constantly reading his thoughts.
Oh, dear Tadashi, I'm the King of the Zodiacs. I can hear everyone's thoughts, I'm connected to everyone with the golden blood.
How pleasant.
Even so, he kind of liked the idle chitter-chatter that Leo made while they climbed up the path. Once again, the tower didn't seem to be getting any closer, no matter how much he walked. As the sun began to set, he found a nice clearing in the forest not too far from the path and sat down near the edge by a nice looking tree.
Leo had said his good-bye for the night and disappeared with another wink. He definitely seemed to remind Tadashi of Kohaku.
Settling down, the eighteen year old watched the sky above go from a orange color to a red one, a dark blue slowly stretching its way across the sky, chasing after the red pigment. It was a really beautiful sight, one he enjoyed seeing.
Tadashi enjoyed the gentle melody as the day creatures began to go rest and the night creatures began to wake up. A stick snapped in the distance, probably belonging to a deer, a few branches shaking, the eighteen year old figuring it was probably a squirrel.
He was wrong, as two voices spoke up as one.
"Oi, sir, you seem to be slacking off." Chapter IIIthis chapter is yet to be done |
|
