A True Awakening

Day 11

Mikoto's story came to an end as it was now Kazuma's turn to tell. The smiling butcher as they so called him. A perfect son-in-law when you would first lay eyes on him, but a true maniac when his hands came in touch with a blade. Slashing away at his enemies mercilessly, cutting them down almost as if he was simply removing weeds destined to die after having lost their use. Another of Mamoru's loyal subjects, following each and every single one of his master's commands, without question. The Kyuketsuki knew Kazuma's worth and treated him accordingly. Together with Mikoto the two of them formed the perfect duo.

There weren't many who dared to oppose him, but those who did were swiftly taken care of by both the silent assassin and the smiling butcher. His own little private army, some would call them. Never wavering, always at his side. Kazuma continued telling many stories, allowing Mamoru as well as Mikoto to reminisce about the past. Together the three of them encountered countless ordeals, all of which they were able to successfully overcome. An unbeatable force, capable of overthrowing a country, even more a village should they wish to do so. But all stories come to an end eventually and this was no different for the three of them.

The series of events that continued to unfold was interesting to say the least, especially considering how frighteningly close to the truth it was. It seemed that no matter his age, Mamoru was still able to be surprised.

(WC: 256, TWC: 2826)

Daily reward: A-Rank Jutsu Scroll

Day 12

Surrounded by the ones he considered close, and technically still did, Mamoru wondered if he could have done things differently. Would everything have turned out the same in the end or would those possible changes affect their lives in any way whatsoever? It was too late now but worth considering regardless. Seeing both Mikoto and Kazuma so close to him, the Kyuketsuki began to wonder if it would be possible to summon or channel other people from his past. The thought alone was enough to make him try, which he eventually did. The True Noblesse started concentrating, envisioning and imagining all of the different faces he could think of, all belonging to people he once knew during his life.

As he did, Mamoru began to notice how other spirits slowly started to appear in front of him, many of them who all had played a major part during his time as the Blood Monarch. He was never one to believe in magic or consider that some form of dark sources were at play, but it didn't change the fact that he had trouble coming up with a reasonable explanation for everything that he was currently experiencing. The Kyuketsuki wondered what people would think if they were to see him. Chances were they'd assume he had gone mad, acting like a crazy person talking to himself the entire time. But deep down he knew it wasn't a dream, it all felt too real to just be nothing more than a fantasy or his imagination. 

(WC: 253, TWC: 3079)

Daily reward: Yokai Yum-Yums [3]

Day 13

As the conversations between everyone who had gathered continued, similar sightings slowly started to become so sparse that it became clear that the anomaly was nearly past. "I fear we have but little time left, my friends". The spirits of those he trusted and cared about still retained their defined form but began to lose their energy and manifestation more and more quickly, a sign the strange phenomenon was eventually coming to an end. Determined to make the best of it, Mamoru encouraged his people to proceed and tell their stories, listening with a smile and perhaps even a tear.

The past reminded them of all the things they had been through together, how they shared pain and happiness during those times. There was nothing able to come inbetween them, not a single thing in the world strong enough to destroy the bond between the Kyuketsuki and the ones he proudly called his friends and family. Hardships were overcome, enemies were crushed. The True Noblesse didn't allow anything to ruin what they had, no matter what he had to do to make sure of it. A bond that could never be broken, at least that's what he thought back then, not realizing not everyone had time at their side like he did.

As he sat there, Mamoru would call for his servant, the newest addition to his group of followers. The Monarch introduced her to the others, making a small cut in her arm before taking another sip of her blood. 

(WC: 251, TWC: 3330)

Daily reward: 10.000 ryo

Day 14

They all sat together, everyone who gathered at the same place. Stories were being told and listened to, memories were shared with a laugh and sometimes a tear. Time continued to pass, night slowly started falling over Volcano, a sign his friends didn't have much longer before they would have to return to the spirit realm. Aware their stay was about to come to an end, the ghosts of the past wanted to know Mamoru's plans now that his slumber was over and his awakening took place. "I wonder" the Kyuketsuki spoke as he looked at the sky above. Underneath the countless stars he felt so small, irrelevant even. Almost as if he didn't exist.

He allowed himself a moment to collect his thoughts, finding the right words to speak and give them a suitable answer. "I have lived longer than anyone could imagine, I've seen cities build and countries fall". The True Noblesse played his part in history, for many he was nothing more than a myth while others would call him a legend. Once upon a time he had plans to take over the world, rule over those calling themselves shinobi hiding in their little villages. But from the looks of it such a life wouldn't be all that bad. "Perhaps your dear master will take things slow for a change. Gather my strength as we build ourselves a new home". No matter how much he wanted them to be a part of it, Mamoru knew it would be impossible. 

(WC: 252, TWC: 3582)

Daily reward: 2000 WC

Day 15

And so it finally came to an end, the reunion between old friends from the past, a master and his servants. "I'm afraid this is as far as we go" the Kyuketsuki spoke, his voice full of regret but also glad he was able to see everyone once more. A chance to meet with those he thought never to see again. Indeed, the world was full of surprises. They appeared before him as ghosts, a strange phenomenon out of the spirit realm, only to disappear now that everything had been said and done. Perhaps there was something out there that wanted to allow them to say their final goodbyes to each other.

And so their spiritual forms started fading away, leaving Mamoru and his new servant behind. "May we meet again, my friends. In this life or the next one". Standing there, the Monarch couldn't help but wonder if this had been nothing more than a simple coincidence. Being reunited with all the people from his past on the day he awakened and arrived at Volcano, the country that was supposed to be their new home. Believing in a thing such as fate would be against his own principles, but besides that what else could it have been, magic? 

Scoffing at himself for even having such foolish thoughts the True Noblesse would stand up, dusting away the dirt on his clothes from sitting down the entire time. "Come, let's see what else this place has to offer" the Kyuketsuki voiced, inviting the young woman to join him for a walk, hoping to explore the island a little more. He didn't know what to expect, but hopefully there weren't going to by any other surprises like the one he experienced moments ago. "I've had enough for one day", his slumber had just ended and already strange occurences took place, almost as if they were following him around.

For better or worse, probably the first in this case, silence returned as the two of them continued walking, exploring the island in the process as they looked around the place. "Make sure to remember everything, memorize your surroundings. You never know when it might come in handy". Now that they would have to call it their come it wouldn't hurt to come up with possible measures should the need arise. Always thinking a couple of steps ahead, one could never be too prepared. Who knew a time would come when they would be forced to use the terrain to their advantage.

(WC: 418, TWC: 4000)

Daily reward: Spirit Stone

(Exit)

(TWC: 4000)
Claims:
- 2500/2500 Minus Field
- 1500/1500 Water Wall
- 40 stats to Vigor