It seemed that Claude was the only one charging ahead.
She stopped after she sensed something amiss. She turned her head and saw the rest stationary.
Claude: Why ain’t you all coming along?
Yan was the first to react.
Yan (says while shaking her head): We don;t even have a clue about it. You are running into the cat’s trap. He would not give anything for free. Only dumb people will fall for that trick.
Claude was hit on the head by Yan’s words.
Claude: Why you!!! Oh yah. That makes sense.
Sweats formed at their heads upon hearing that.
SC: You are one sharp one you little girl. Find the tree sprite and she will lead you to the ones you need to find. Use your magic. Find the sprite and all will be uncovered. But I warn you. The sprite is not easy to find and command for she chooses the one to follow.
Silence.
Han: He’s gone.
Yan: Use our magic?
Minori: He didn’t mean it literally. I know what she means.
Claude: What?
Minori: Let me handle this Claude. There’s no need for strength.
Minori closed her eyes and thought for a while.
Minori: Yan, summon your magic. Ask if the spirits know about the sprite. Seek their guidance.
Han nodded.
Yan stood out and sang. Her voice was beautiful and enchanting. And slowly spirits appeared before her as they were buried in conversions with the creatures. Claude was amazed by her power as she watched in awe. They were surrounded by brilliant green fireflies before the vanished.
Yan: They said the road to the enchanted forest lies ahead. It’s a two day walk from here. They will guide us there.
Claude: Let’s go!
Minori: Not today Claude. We need to rest for our strength to be back. The best time is 3 days.
Claude: Isn’t it too long?
Minori: We spent sleepless 3 years inside the cave. Couldn’t we recharge before going in? It will not be an easy task for we need both mental and physical strength. Ample rest will prove beneficial.
Han: Minori’s right my good friend. Sleep.
The team agreed as they laid down to rest under the huge tree and true enough, it was the first peaceful rest they got after a whole sleepless 3 years.
Coffeecans Reads
Net waited and summoned the Dark Druid.
Net: Tell me where Claude and the others are.
The dark druid submerged into the dark waters and disappeared. Bubbles emerged and the whirlpool appeared as he rose.
Dark Druid: I can’t locate them master. It seems as though they are wiped out from this world. No traces at all.
Net: Are they dead?
Dark Druid: No master. There are no traces in hell.
Net: Go. Keep searching. I will summon you again.
Dark Druid: Your wish is my command master.
Net sank into the ground and emerged in Bella’s room.
Net: My Queen. There are no traces of them in this world. My dark druids can’t sense their presence in this world. But neither are them in hell. It seemed as though they had vanished in another dimension.
Bella: Well then. There is not much worry. But I would need you to still trace their whereabouts. If you sense any, eliminate them.
The four arrived at the enchanted forest. And before they went in, Minori came out with a plan.
Minori: Darkness is my specialty I will need you all to follow my cue. Do not create any noise, especially Claude. In the enclosure my senses are sharpened and I can sense any moving objects or presence in an instant accurately. This mission Yan and I will be needed. Claude and Han, you will have to believe in me for this. Let Yan and me take this mission.
Claude: Oh well. Ok.
Han nodded.
Minori: Yan, stay close to me. I will need your magic. Yan, weave me a carrier that I can carry you on my back. This will minimise us looking for each other as we are not sure what we will encounter.
Yan: Yes Aunt Minori.
Yan was now strapped to Minori’s back. Minori summoned a wooden staff made of her blue flames. That was her support and her eyes in the dark. With a whisper the staff turned dark.
Minori: Hide the magic Yan. It will be difficult to catch if they sense us. Claude, do not barge in as I sense a maze in there. Unless I throw up a blue flame firework, do not enter at all costs.
The otherwise green flamed carrier faded to twines on Minori.
Minori: Here we go.
They disappeared while Claude set up a fire. Waiting for them.
It was as per what Minori had predicted. A maze, weaved by magic. Any mistake and we will be trapped here for good.
Minori: Yan. Close your eyes. Feel the surroundings and become one. My staff will led the way, I will need you to hide us from our magic. Do not be distracted. Focus.
Yan started to sing in a low voice and seeing that, Minori summoned her magic as they started to rise and the staff acted like a witch’s broom. Twists and turns they moved.
In a blink the staff stopped as Minori descended.
Minori: Yan you can stop now.
What appeared before them was a pixie flying freely in the dark, shimmering with gold dust.
Minori: You will be the one who would be handling the sprite Yan.
Yan stepped forward and sang where her melodies merged with the surroundings. The pixie stopped her dance and turned towards where the melody was coming from.
She was curious about the melody and she danced to it. They were now facing each other. The melody changed and it seemed that they were in a conversion.
Things were looking really good and promising when suddenly the pixie shrieked at them, deafening their ears.
The surrounding changed as they were surrounded by mystical creatures, each waiting for their chance to land their hands on Minori and Yan.
Pixie: If you want me to follow you, prove your worth.
Barricades made up of thick tree roots surfaced as there were no escape unless they defeat the creatures in there.
It was a mistake not to bring the entire team in here. Minori thought.
Now we are in deep shit.
Coffeecans Reads
The creatures were closing in as Minori was cautious, not to cause any harm to Yan. And the pixie was grinning ear to ear.
Minori: Looks like we need to do this the hard way. Hold on tight Yan. We will have to grab the tree sprite by force. Sorry Yan, I thought we could do this the neutral way. Now this is the plan.
Yan nodded.
Minori: Shadowed Ring.
An invisible ring opened up from the ground and multiple clones of Minori rose from below, confusing the enemies. The pixie wasn’t expecting something like this as she froze in fear. The creatures were in an offensive stance, ready to strike anytime. Now the pixie was confused. All the clones looked the same.
Minori: You ready Yan?
Yan: Yes.
Minori: Teleport.
In a blink Minori appeared suddenly right in front of the pixie (Tree Sprite) which gave her a shock. Then Yan weaved in a net and captured her successfully.
Pixie: Cheaters! The creatures will get you!
With a snap of her fingers, Minori summoned her magic.
Minori: Shadow submerge.
The creatures unknowingly sank as they can’t seem to move.
Minori: Shadow seal.
They disappeared in blank darkness.
The Tree Sprite watched in fear. The arrogance was gone.
Minori: Now if you don’t want to follow us, you will suffer the same fate as the creatures.
She froze in fear and nodded.
Just then Minori collapsed on the ground, exhausted in using her magic.
But Yan was just in time to summon a huge tiger, carrying her out of the forest, together with the captured Tree Sprite..
Coffeecans Reads
They emerged out of the forest with Minori lying on the tiger. Yan was holding on to the Tree Sprite.
Claude: What happened to Minori?
Yan: We were trapped by the Tree Sprite and she defeated them all in one stroke but she fainted perhaps due to the exhaustion.
Han: Is that the Tree Sprite we are looking for?
Yan: Yes.
Claude stared hard at the Tree Sprite, intimidating her. She shunned away in fear. And she breathed down hard at her as the Tree Sprite almost flew off by her hot breath.
Minori regain her consciousness as she sat up.
Claude: Minori are you ok?
She nodded as she spoke weakly: Using the shadow magic drains me a lot. See?
She opened her palms and there were the mystical creatures whom she trapped in her.
Minori: It takes a lot of energy to trap them but they will be of good use.
She stood up and walked towards the Tree Sprite.
Minori: Listen up. We are on a quest to look for the ten generals in order to defeat the one responsible for Han’s death. Their purpose is to rule the world through darkness. We were instructed by the Shadow Cat in search for you.
Tree Sprite: Shadow Cat?
Her eyes opened in fear and fascination.
Tree Sprite: You’ve seen the Cat?
Yan: Yes we did.
Minori: I will ask you one last time. Will you guide us to the ten generals?
Tree Sprite: Yes. And please, call me Faire.
Minori: I’m sorry to do this but we need to make sure you won’t run.
Minori chanted a prayer and there was a seal on the Tree Sprite.
Faire: What’s this?
Minori: A seal forged between the two of us. If you try to run, you will be sealed in darkness forever.
Faire: What is the deal?
Minori: I will lift the seal when the task is done.
Faire: Arghh! So be it!
Minori: Yan, release her.
Faire: ahhhh! Feels good to be free!
Claude: Shall we get going then?
Faire: We can only do so tomorrow you oversized Gorilla.
Claude: What did you say?
Claude raised her fist.
Minori: Enough. Let’s get some sleep first before we set off tomorrow.
Yan: Where and what is the first general?
Faire: I need to think again.
Claude: So this little creature forgot her brains too?
Faire: Why you!
Claude whistled as she looked away.
Faire: The first one lives in the mountains not far from here. But I warn you. She’s not an easy one to tame.
Han: We talk tomorrow. You guys must be hungry. Tuck in first.
They sat as they ate the beast that Claude had hunted.
Coffeecans Reads
They woke up before dawn, packed and ready to go in search of the first general.
Minori: Lead us to her.
Faire: Yes.
She led the way until they reach a small village. Things look peculiar. Out of the village there is one house that stood in the outskirt. As if she was living in isolation.
Faire: The cursed witch is what they call her. Do not be fooled by her appearance. She is a shapeshifter. Be careful.
Yan: She can’t be a bad person.
Claude: You can’t judge. Things don’t appear like this.
Minori: Yan, Faire, stay close to me.
Minori summoned a shield to the two as they walked towards the house. Old and torn it was. With huge holes on the roof.
Before they entered the house. Yan was the first to react.
Yan: Stay where you are. There is a deep presence of sadness around. Yan closed her eyes as she sang.
Her voice touched the hearts of her companions as the history of the cursed witch flooded their vision. What appeared before their eyes was utter despair.
A child born with powers of the shapeshifter. She could take on any appearances. Her mum died giving birth to her and her dad died protecting their child when she was twelve.
Child’s mum: She is our child. Dear, I’m feeling sleepy.
Dad: No please dear. Stay with me. Stay with me!
Her child cried nonstop for days.
Dad: Poor you. I’m sorry, mummy is not here anymore. Daddy will be here for you. Always.
She paused for a while. Looked at her dad and smiled.
That smile stayed with her dad forever.
Dad: I shall name you Moon Tear.
Moon giggled with a smile. She loved the name too.
She grew up with her dad, following him everywhere.
She then discovered something different about herself. She could change her form to any that she liked but she could not control it as yet.
Moon: Daddy, look!
She shapeshifted right in front of her dad.
Of course her dad was shocked to see.
Dad: Do not show this to any villagers. They will freak out. Keep this between us only.
She nodded.
It was until one day her dad was really sick that he can’t go to work.
Moon: I will go on your behalf. She said as she changed into her dad’s appearance.
Dad: No… please Moon. You promised.
Moon: Dad! They are threatening to fire you if you don’t show up today. They are trying to get rid of you! I will prove to them that my dad has the ability to fight on!
She said as she ran out.
Village head: So you are here already you moron. Go and take the firewood! Quickly!
Moon did so and suddenly out came a foot and she fell.
Village head: Didn’t I tell you to be careful? Look! Its broken! You must pay for it!
Moon: But it was you who tripped me!
Village head: Did you see me doing that? Look! You need wages to feed your useless daughter and you dare shout at me!
Moon clenched her fists and she changed back to her own form.
Moon: Who are you calling useless!
Her fingers transformed to claws.
The Village head was shocked. He called on all the villagers with weapons.
Moon fled. She knew she had done the wrong thing.
The villagers went to their house, torn down the door.
Village head: Kill the monster! Hand your daughter over! I will kill her! I saw what she did. She’s a witch! An evil one!
Dad: My child is not a monster. She was born special.
Village head: She is a curse! What special. You are nothing but a burden to everyone and your wife! Remember the day she was born the moon was red!
Villagers: Kill her! Kill her!
She was still very young. She smiled at the villages innocently.
Moon: I love you all. I really do.
Village head: Don’t give me that rubbish!
He swung his huge sabre towards Moon. Her dad forced himself up and stood in front of Moon.
The sabre went deeply thrusted to his heart. His dad coughed out blood.
The Village head panicked. He was intending to just scare them off but he didn’t expect to kill.
Village head: You… you… asked for it! Let’s go!
They let the house quickly with tongues wagging about Moon.
Moon: Daddy… daddy…
Her dad was too weak to reply. He mustered his strength to say his last words.
Dad: Don’t be sad. Daddy will always be around. Don’t take revenge. It’s a matter of time if I go. Moon, live for me. Live for your mum. We love you. Don’t lead a life of hatred. You were born with a reason and I’m sure you will find your companions one day. I love you Moon. Promise me you won’t take revenge.
He said as he coughed out the final burst of blood and he went motionless.
Moon: Daddy. Daddy?
Silence.
Tears flowed.
Moon: You said you will always be there for me Dad. You promised. You said you will always be there…
Silence.
Her dad was not moving anymore.
Moon knelt down, shattered. She did not know what to do nor who to turn to. She kept quiet and knelt beside her dad.
And she didn’t know how long had it been.
Rumours spread over the village like wildfire. They threw stones and objects to the house. Because Moon had not been moving or eating, she looked no different from the dead. She had lost track of time. She looked at the skeletons of her dad and wept.
Every night the villagers will hear the cries of Moon and they named her the Cursed witch.
Coffeecans Reads
All: So that was what it is.
They could not hold their tears. Even Faire was touched.
Faire: I didn’t know about this. All I heard were rumours.
Han: Poor her. She must have suffered so much.
Claude: That wretch village head, I’m going to kill him!
Minori: Wait Claude. You just gave me an idea. Faire, locate where that village head is.
She led the way and it was amazing how huge his house were.
Claude: Bloody bastard.
Claude charged and kicked opened the door. Only to see a young maiden doing a blowjob for him. Her hands were tied and she looked like she was forced to do.
The village head was a fat and lumpy piece of shit. Unshaven, crude and stinky. His round face was all oily and that distinct huge mole right beside his lips were really distracting. There wasn’t much hair left on him, only two little bunch of hair on the sides.
He was shocked by the intruders as he kicked the girl aside. She coughed as she kept spitting out the semen. Her clothes were torn, her face red from beating. She looked really frail and afraid as she tried to hide herself in the corner.
Village head: Who do you think you are coming to my house! Do you know who I am.
Claude went forward. Her intimidating presence was felt.
Claude: You filthy old man. DO YOU KNOW WHO ARE YOU MESSING WITH!
She roared and the village head peed on his pants.
Claude: You killed Moon Tear’s father and fled! You piece of trash.
She picked him up by his neck and threw him off a distance.
Village head: He asked for it. She’s a monster!
Claude: Monster? I show you what is a monster!
She summoned her white fire magic and her arm formed. She grabbed him up again. This time she scorched his wrist.
VH: It hurts. You monster! Let go of me. Guards!
Claude: Don’t be silly. You think your guards are of any match to me? Let me tell you this. You know why Moon didn’t take your head? Because she made a promise to her father not to be blinded by revenge. So she spent ten years living alone in that house. And what did you do? Enjoying all your lustful habits? Now let me send you to hell!
Her arm turned into a huge axe and she swung it towards his head.
VH: Don’t kill me… I’ll do anything!
Minori: I want you to apologise to Moon and step down from your post.
VH: What? Never.
Minori: So be it. Claude. Do it.
VH: I’ll do it. I’ll do it.
Minori: And I want you to say the truth to the villagers. It was you who killed his father. Not like the rumours you spread.
VH: Fine.
Minori: Tomorrow will be the day.
VH: Alright.
Minori drew up an invisible spell and threw it into VH without him knowing.
Minori: Leave him here. Let’s go to Moon now.
Claude: We are letting him go just like that?
Faire: You brainless gorilla. Didn’t you see the inscriptions on that man’s head?
Claude: Why you wretched stick insect.
Faire: You!!!
Minori: We have to think of a way to go in without making her think we are her enemies.
Yan: Let me be the one to bring her out. Together with mum. Mummy, you ok?
Han: Yes dear.
Yan took a deep breath and pushed the door of Moon slowly.
Coffeecans Reads
Rats came pouring out from the door as a gust of pungent air escaped. Yan covered her nose as she plucked her courage. She sang. The animals came running into her house, cleaning it up. In the dark corner she could see a silhouette of a thin figure; her hair touched the floor, her clothes were smelling like death. She was frail and weak. On the bed was a skeleton who must have been her dad.
She walked closer.
Moon: Who are you! Why are you here? I can sense you. Don’t come any closer. I’m a monster. I’m what they called a cursed witch. I… I caused the death of my father. He died protecting me. Go away!
Han wept. She reminded her of how her husband and her fought to protect Yan.
Yan advanced and hugged Moon, holding her hands to her face and she sang softly.
Yan: I know what you went through. I was the same. My parents died protecting me. I know I was born for a reason. A reason to live, Moon. Live for yourself. For your dad. Join us. Join our quest.
Moon: I can see the visuals deep in my mind… do you have powers too?
Yan: Yes Moon.
Moon: I’m…. I’m not alone?
Han: You are not alone Moon. We are by your side.
Moon: I… I’m afraid I can’t. I’m useless already.
Yan: Why?
She crawled out of the corner with difficulty where there was light.
Yan and Han grasped.
Moon was already blind. The blood on the sides of the eyes had dried a long time.
Moon: I cried everyday till it hurt. Until one day it bled. I’ve sealed myself in this house for a long time.
She had no strength to walk nor stand. To her she was like a cripple. She had been kneeling and not moving for a long long time.
Yan: Mummy can you ask Claude over? I need help.
Coffeecans Reads
Claude stormed in.
Claude: Finally I’m of use then?
The whole team came in and was shocked by what they saw.
Faire: Oh my god.
They saw Moon. She really resembled “Sadako” from the horror movie.
Yan: Aunt Claude, could you carry her up? I will try to heal her.
Faire: There’s no need for that. Gorilla and Minori, follow me, we will heal her.
Han: Then Yan and I will restore this place then.
They went on their missions.
Claude: Stupid creature. You better not be bluffing.
Faire: After seeing the state she is in, how can I bear to do it? We are going to a secret place that is only available through us only. The Lake of Restoration.
Minori: Trust her Claude.
Claude: Yes. Poor Moon. She looks too fragile. She look as though she;s going to break anytime soon.
Han told Yan the spells to work on. The magic started to piece everything together. The villagers appeared from their houses as they watched the old house restoring itself. They were terrified yet fascinated. This was when Yan decided to let the whole village know about what actually happened and the hurt they had caused Moon. It took a lot of energy to engulf the village but she knew she had to do that for them to know that Moon is not a monster but she was the same as the others.
The villagers collapsed one by one. They wept. They shook their heads. As the imagery of the current Moon was in their heads.
Villagers: What have we done? An innocent and filial girl. What have we done? Shame on us. Shame on us! We believed in the words of the village head. And he was lying to us all the time, spreading rumours. I’m sorry poor little child.
The trio arrived at the Lake of Restoration. A tranquil place with cascading waterfalls with rainbow arching over the plains. Something about this was different. It was filled and formed with magic.
Faire: Place her in the Lake, Gorilla.
Claude: I’m Claude you stupid creature.
Faire: It’s the same.
Claude: Why you!
Claude lowered her into the lake.
Moon wasn’t sure about this but she was not really mobile.
She sank into the lake. And nothing happened for a few minutes.
Claude: You idiot! Did you came all the way here to drown her?
Faire: Wait.
Claude: I’m going to jump in!
Minori stopped her: Wait. Look at the water.
The bluish water was transforming. It was becoming brown. A whirlpool was forming. The entire lake became stormy and violent as clouds formed above. Lighting flashed. Thunder roared. The skies were dark. The whirlpool suddenly rose and became one with the dark clouds as though they were connected.
Suddenly everything stopped. A rainbow formed and the clouds disappeared. The waters were serene once again. Everything returned to normal. But still there was no sign of Moon.
They waited till nightfall.
The scenery was beautiful with the huge moon framed in the centre of the lake. The trio was eating the berries that they had collected from the forest.
Something moved.
Out of the waters, someone started to walk. They stood up and their jaws almost dropped.
Moon took a few steps and fell down in exhaustion.
Coffeecans Reads
Moon walked slowly towards the trio, her legs still weak. She was beautiful. Her deep blue eyes, pointed chin, wavy long brown hair. She was thin but stunning in her own way.
Moon: Thank you. I can’t thank you enough.
Minori: Join us on our quest Moon. We are your companions.
Claude stretched out her hand.
Claude: Companions.
Minori: Companions.
Moon: Companions.
Faire was touched by their gestures as they came out of the forest.
When they came out of the forest, Moon got a shock. The house that she used to stay in was restored. And there is his dad’s grave. There were a lot of flowers lined up.
Villagers crowded and apologised to Moon.
Villagers: We are really sorry for everything. We know that nothing we can do to ease the pain but please accept our apologies. They knelt for forgiveness and Moon stopped them.
Moon: My father told me not to bear hatred. He told me it will blind my vision. I’m not angry. Please, stand.
As expected, the village head tried to run.
And the spell that Minori casted on came to life.
His legs stood rooted to the ground.
Village head: What’s wrong? I can’t run. I…
He found himself standing in the middle of the crowd, facing where Moon’s dad was. He was forced to kneel in front of the grave.
Villagers: Apologise!
Village head: What for? I didn’t do anything to him!
Minori shook her head.
Minori: You reap what you sow.
Moon shook her head as she gave her last prayers to his dad.
The villagers were cursing the village head as Claude and her companions left.
Village head: I have done no wrong!
Suddenly he was petrified as he took on the form of him kowtowing to Moon’s dad’s grave.
The villagers spit on the petrified village head.
Villagers: Serves you right. You deserve it.
They left the village as they sat down for a wild boar barbecue.
Claude: Well I guess we haven’t properly introduced ourselves. I’m…
Moon: Claude. Minori. Yan. Han. Faire.
Claude stared in disbelief: How did you know?
Moon: I had a dream. The cat was there. He told me it was my destiny. I would be freed by you.
Claude: That weird cat did this?
Moon: Yes.
Minori: Welcome onboard Moon.
She took out the ale and they shared it together.
Han: Where is the second general?
Faire: Deep in the woods, 3 days from here.
Minori: Any idea who we are against?
Faire: I’m not sure Minori. But I sense a strong spirit. An intimidating one. Something massive and full of rage. Power is the word.
Minori: Sounds like a good challenge to you Claude.
Claude: You bet! I’m getting all fired up!
Coffeecans Reads
They trekked again for days without rest.
The companions:
Claude - Leader of the fearsome trios
Minori - One of the fearsome trios
Yan - Daughter of Han
Han - Spirit of the fearsome trios
Faire - The tree sprite - 1st of the ten generals
Moon - The cursed witch - 2nd of the ten generals
Claude yawned: Where are we going to arrive?
Minori. Stop. Something’s coming.
Han: It’s here.
Claude crutched her knuckles: Showtime, stay back. I will get it.
She stood in front, summoned her white fire as an arm appeared.
The rumblings became louder and louder as the earth shook.
Trees came falling one by one, twisted and broken.
All of a sudden, everything became tranquil.
Claude was waiting as she looked around.
Minori: On your right Claude!
It was too late. A huge boulder slammed Claude as she flew into the forest.
Yan tried to run but Minori stopped her.
Minori: This is Claude’s battle Yan. She will be able to defeat it whatever it is. Now we can only wait.
Coffeecans Reads