Trading tales. The complete first story

[Boomerang]

Here's my first fanfic, enjoy.
Trading tales intro
There are many ways to make a living in our world, there are those who live in the villages and work on the farms. There are those who live in towns and cities and make their money by trade. There are even those who feel called by adventure and live the way of the adventurer, making money any old how. Most of the tales I hear revolve around them, and most end when they live happily ever after with some mamono girl or the other... Rarely with a human girl, but that's beside the point. As for myself, I'm someone who makes a living peddling wares between towns. Not the most glamorous job you might think, certainly not one fraught with danger or adventure, right? You might be surprised just how wrong you'd be on that note.

Chapter 1. Just another day
As a wandering peddler you do get to meet all sorts, and I do mean all sorts. For instance, earlier today I passed by an old fort. One I've passed by several times before, yet today there were new pennants hanging from the rusty posts and someone had taken some effort to mend broken shutters and missing shingles. You can't make a living if you don't make a living, so heeding the old saying I walked up to the gate and knocked. I was greeted by an unusual sight when it opened, a little further in a young man in adventurer's garb was lying out cold under an over-sized pan and with a tripwire tangled around his foot. Even more unusual was the crying young lady who opened the gate, she looked mostly human apart from the snakes in her hair and an increasingly bluish skin tone.

Now I can tell you that most people'd be surprised at such a sight, but having had dealings with Echidnae before over the few years I've been in business this wasn't something new. "Oh dear, did he trip on the first trap?" I asked. She replied with a no, saying that all had gone as planned until he had rescued her from the dungeon she'd set up. He was carrying her and forgot about this obvious one at the entrance. So I broke out the first aid kit I keep for just such emergencies and with her help extracted her hero from his predicament. Luckily the trap hadn't done much damage, just a bump on the head, but still she was going ballistic fussing over him.

As luck would have it, he came around quickly enough but, well... when he saw that his beloved was actually an Echidna he nearly fainted again. That part just cracks me up, he's known the girl for ages, yet he never suspected she was more than human. Ah well, In defense of my gender I'd say that men aren't the only ones that miss important clues now and again. In the end though I left to continue on my journey, but not before I sold them some base necessities to start their home there. The first aid and some friendly advice free of charge though, always a smart move if you want people to buy from you again and doubly so if you need shelter during storms.

Not that this day is at all stormy, mind. But tomorrow's another day as the saying goes...

Chapter 2. A short stop at the Inn of No Return
As I mentioned previously, you do get to meet all sorts as a wandering peddler. Sometimes trouble, sometimes a new customer, sometimes a business opportunity. It's rare though when you get all three rolled into one. Such was the case though when I met Mari. She'd been an average village girl with romantic notions involving a prince on a white horse before she made a fateful purchase with another peddler. You'd not say so when I met her, mind. She had bought a potion that, so the vendor had proclaimed, would boost her energy and beauty.

Now I for one know to be wary of such claims since I'd heard what such potions usually entailed, but Mari obviously didn't. I had been walking this very road when I saw a young woman emerge from the bushes. Blushing, panting and clutching her head she made a sight that would have most people rushing to her side and then try to take her to a doctor. They would end up being raped by her in that condition though. Luckily, I saw the tips of her horns emerging between her fingers and some lumps forming under her dress around the back. So I reached into the small and frankly ugly looking bag at my belt and pulled out a flask containing spirit energy, popped the cork off and set it down. As I beat a retreat for a bit, silently thanking my old mentor for this particular bit of advice, she caught the scent and gulped down the contents faster than you'd believe. The transformation continued, but the concentrated extract she'd just downed calmed her down considerably...

She then noticed the new additions to her body: horns, tail, wings and a downy covering of fur. Needless to say she started crying, so I cautiously approached her and asked what had happened. She'd told me of how she'd bought a potion from a wandering vendor in hopes of looking her best for the harvest dance, rather than just tired from hauling in the harvest. She had no idea it would do something like this to her and was freaking out quite a bit. At this I could only shake my head and I then tried to break it to her gently. "I'm sorry, but you have drunk a potion I've seen sold around the region a few times. It turns women into Succubi, Lesser Succubi at first, but full fledged Succubi in the long run. It will mean that you need to get used to your new body and your new needs, but I can tell you it's not the end of your life." She looked incredulously at me when I said that, so I told her of some others I knew who had taken similar drafts.

I even told her of an embarrassing encounter with a couple of old friends, whom everyone in my hometown had thought of as being a gay couple. Imagine my surprise when I saw one of them walking down the lane with a cute girl on his arm. It turns out his gay housemate had downed a potion and turned into an Alp. She giggled when I faithfully said I had blushed beet-red as they shared this bit of information. Seeing as how my patient was feeling a bit better I thought it time to tell her that she might want to think about finding a mate, and quickly as her changing body would present it's demands to her again soon. She grew quite serious as this thought settled in and said in a quiet voice that she had hoped to save her virginity for when she'd married her true love.

I told her that there were some options in that regard. Such as taking her feeding orally or when she felt the need, anally. So she would preserve her hymen and thus gift it to a guy who'd steal her heart. I gave her the other bottle I'd prepared and took her home. After lecturing the townsfolk about the dangers of buying and using such potions without fully knowing what they would do, my eye fell on a somewhat dilapidated building in the center of the town. Since I hadn't visited the town for a few years it took some time to realize that this was the once renowned inn of the Harvested Repast.

I soon learned that the old proprietor had died two winters ago and that the villagers hadn't yet found a new innkeeper. I thought to myself that it would be a good investment to do something with the tavern, but having long since caught the wandering bug I immediately knew I wouldn't settle down then and there. The town would need an inn though, for such attracted merchants, travelers and thus new lifeblood. Meanwhile, not all had gone well with Mari, her parents were kind of old-fashioned in many regards. Having their daughter turn into a Succubus was too much for them, so they threw her out of their home. Now, I do not claim to be a gallant knight , always looking out for the damsels in distress to a fault. Yet neither am I a callous blackguard who'd just leave a girl in such misery.

I took her to the old inn, gathered the mayor mr. Stock, the carpenter and the baker (plus a couple of girls who seemed to know Mari well enough) and called a meeting. I impressed upon them that Mari was still, despite any outward changes, the girl that had grown up in their village. She would need a roof over her head and seeing as she would need a means to make a living even as a Succubus. I swiftly pressed on, forestalling any rebuttals, by saying that the town also needed a new innkeeper, one who could attract newcomers to the town as well as simply cater to their needs. As these thoughts percolated in their noggins I stepped behind Mari and said that helping her become the new innkeeper would not only solve the current issues, but prevent future ones as well.

People being as block-headed as they are it still took some persuasion for the matter to be settled. I helped things along by promising to send some goods and make some connections with suppliers in the cities. The town agreed to help get the inn in order and the baker agreed to bake some bread at cost for a while. The girls, who weren't married yet, immediately signed on to help with the running of the inn. And so the old inn was restored in short order. Mari could meet new guys both for her needs and her desire to find love, the town would get new traders and perchance settlers. And I of course, could set up shop in the inn free of charge whenever I stop by.

I always make sure to stop by the inn, which has been renamed the Inn of No Return. For a good reason as many travelers stop here for a long while indeed.
As I step through the door I'm greeted by Mari and her staff, with exuberance one might say. One of whom broke off slightly more swiftly to evict a patron from my preferred table, another went behind the bar to grab a drink I made sure would be stocked hereabouts and poured me a glass. As I sat down I thanked them for their kind welcome and complimented them on providing a home to a weary traveler. Mari laughed at that, as she usually did at my quips and sat down across from me.

It might surprise you to learn I've never bedded Mari, but take great pleasure in our friendship. We oft talk into the night when I get in, yet today she seemed more eager than usual to share her news...

Chapter 3. An unexpected request
Though there are many pleasant ways to spend time with a woman, I doubt there are many who appreciate how much fun can be had just conversing with one. Part of that fun, for myself at least lies in the fact that their minds work differently than that of a man.

Mari hadn't changed much in that regard, despite now being a full Succubus she still had many interests beyond the erotic. Not that she shied away from it though and neither did Sasha or Mildred. Those two girls had been human enough, back when Mari started running the inn, but a drunken party one night had doused them in enough of Mari's demonic energies to start their own transformations. The staff, and inn, had then been further expanded with the arrival of Daphne, a young (or so she claims) dwarf who spent most of her time in the forge that had been built in the coaching yard. Sunny, a Holstaurus girl with a nice rack had been passing through when she fell in love with Jack, the cooper. She helped out around the inn and produced sweet milk that had become a local favorite. And then there had come a most unusual traveler, Berenice the Werecat fortuneteller. Though in general rather lazy she was a capable party girl and her undeniable charm kept customers coming back for her fortunetelling antics.

All those memories flashed me by as Mari sat down and started to speak. "I have some really big news this time" she said, so I gave her an encouraging smile. "Well, erh... I'm getting married next month." she confided with a blush on her cheeks. This was almost enough to knock me off my chair, but I soon recovered and congratulated her. I did ask her to tell me all about it as she hadn't dropped a hint when I last stopped by. "I still have trouble believing it myself she replied" with her blush deepening, "but my Desmond walked into town around a month ago and it was love at first sight. I was so flustered when he told me he felt the same way that I nearly swallowed my tongue and smashed my tail through a stool."

We shared a laugh at that, but when I asked her if she would introduce us she blushed even more and said that they'd gone a little wild earlier today and that he was sleeping it off. She also confided that she would give him her greatest gift, patting the front of her dress at that, on their wedding night. Not that he had anything to complain about, mind, she added. She also made it very clear that I was expected as a front-row guest at the least, so I held up my hand for silence and told her I'd not miss it for the world. I would need to finish the trip I was on first though because I'd need a proper gift for the couple, not just the regular old knickknacks that were my stock in trade.

We talked until the stars were winking through the windows and most other patrons had gone home or to the beds in the lodging area. Two young men had been dragged there earlier by Daphne who had that look in her eye I recognized all too well. She had presumably made a bet with those two as she was literally looking forward to winning it. Needless to say they would have to cough up a pretty penny come morning, but I'd never hear anyone complain about losing a bet with the Dwarven gal. Berenice had mischievously stolen into Sunny and Jack's bed as was her wont, for some milk and maybe a little more if Sunny didn't wake in time for Jack's morning wood.

However, I was then greeted by an unusual sight. I had met an adventurer once who'd fallen for the charms of a ghost, but I doubt anyone would be fooled by this apparition. It clearly being a man under a bedsheet who was making sounds somewhere between a yawn and a snore as he stumbled down the stairs. Mari scooted from her seat and caught him before he could stumble into the umbrella stand. Having found her, the guy managed to extract his head and gave her a sleepy kiss. "Hey hon, Daphne's having fun again so I thought I'd try to find a quieter place..." Mari fussed over him as she led him to our table where she introduced us. "So, you're the lucky devil who stole her heart" I quipped, which elicited a laugh from him. "Guilty as charged and you're the legendary salesman who helped her set up shop here, eh?"

So we talked a little longer till Desmond was practically sawing through the table and my eyelids drooped as well. It had been a long, if pleasant day and Mari knew this, so she excused herself and went to silence Daphne before leading us to our respective chambers. The next morning I enjoyed a delicious breakfast made by Mildred, but before Mari and Desmond came down she asked me if I could spare a moment or two before I left. Saying that it's no problem I promised to talk to her before leaving the village. She then said she would wait near the far end of the yard. I left around mid-morning after bidding the happy couple farewell, but got a bit of a surprise when not only Mildred was waiting in the yard.

All the girls looked more serious than I'd ever seen them before and I asked if something was amiss. After some shuffling of their feet (or paws and hooves respectively) they confided that though they were happy for Mari and Desmond they noticed that the old trouble still weighed on Mari's shoulders. I immediately knew what they meant. Mari's parents had dumped her on the street as soon as they learned of her transformation and had shortly after left town. It was an old hurt that hung like a millstone around her neck sometimes, especially during holidays she used to spend with them. Sasha then said:"We recently heard that they had settled anew in a town past the mountain pass. I had a look over there, but the town is not very friendly to the formerly human. They have an outpost of those order fanatics and there's a barrier extending over the town that stings" at this her tail twitched "people like us."

"Since you're the only human we know who might not be recognized there we would like to ask a favor of you. Could you please go to that town before the wedding and persuade her parents to at least attend it?" All five of them looked rather expectantly at me when she said this. They need not have worried though, I had been on the lookout for her parents since I had heard they'd left town, but to no avail. The town on the other side of the mountains was somewhat known to me, albeit not in a good way. My mentor had taken me on a trip through it before he settled down with his wife and it had not been a pleasant trip.

Most towns employ some form of guardsmen or women, the mayor of Mari's village had also doubled as the sheriff before the girls settled in. Though these days they unofficially helped him now and again as mamono are a lot stronger than most human brigands and can handle others as well. The town of Tallfort though employed redeemers of the Order, a corrupt and petty bunch whose hatred for mamono was only matched by their greed. It had been different once upon a time, but like all fairytales of that sort, it did not last long. My mentor had been forced to take the route through the town that day because a bridge a ways away had given out. Apparently an Ushi-Oni getting drunk on Sake from an Oni friend had taken offence at the bridge after having walked into it.

So we ventured through the town and barely made it out again with our stocks mostly intact and our purses much lighter. It had been for that reason that I'd avoided Tallfort like the plague. Yet for the sake of Mari I'd gladly go to that dismal place. I made my goodbyes to the girls and set out on my journey. The road itself eventually forked and I went down the path I'd tread in reverse only once before. As I trudged along I became aware of a grumbling sound coming from my left and looking over a small bank I saw a young woman rummaging through a large pack and grumbling in a foreign language I'd not heard before. Foreign travelers weren't uncommon hereabouts, even exotic ones, but apart from her speech and clothes she looked like the girl next door.

I tentatively called out and asked her if she needed help in the trade language used by most visiting merchants. She was startled, but seeing as I wasn't immediately threatening she flashed me a dazzling smile. She climbed up the bank and started speaking, if somewhat haltingly, in my native tongue...

Chapter 4. Two makes a company
"Hello sir, it is... most fortuitous I meet here you." At this she made a short bow and went on: "I am merchant by travel and have been coming from long way a way. My pack strap gave... What word is? Away, think I. Pack fall below and my stock roll out." She motions to where her pack is lying. "Think I have most now, but am missing green precious gift from Oba-chan. Please help find this and I give heap of dick-sound." At this I laughed and said that I would be glad to help her. It took a little while, but eventually I spotted a small green parcel amid the leaves of a small bush. When I picked it up, it felt feathery light, yet sturdy. I turned towards the girl and asked if this was what she had been looking for.

Immediately she jumped up and clapped her hands. "It is that! Thank you heap lots, many times!" She exclaimed as she rushed over, snatched the package and did a little dance out of joy. She then turned back to me, clapped a hand over her mouth as a blush crept over her face and spoke softly. "Ack, I have no manners. You help I, but I forgot to be introducing to you. I am Kaori of Lanmei family, out of Lan-Feong. Might I know yuusha-san's name?" Her use of foreign language had of course given her away a little, as did her command of the regional language, but her hometown confirmed that she was definitely from out of town. Way out of town as I was familiar with most flavors in terms of visiting merchants.

"I am called Damast, originally from Littlebrook. I'm a local colleague of yours." At this she looked a little confused. "Coll-leek? I know not word, sorry." So I explained that I too am a travelling peddler by trade and thus a colleague of hers. I do not know if she really understood the word yet, but she seemed to have gotten the gist of it. "It's nice to meet you, shall I take a look at your pack?" and then I turned to her pack which indeed sported a broken strap. The pack was curiously old looking and sported signs of combat here and there. It had been cared for lovingly though, but the straps for carrying it on one's back had worn away. The last one had been attached diagonally to distribute the weight a bit more evenly.

"It seems both the strap and the fasteners have given away." She winced as I said this. "Ack! That is very bad news. I hoped to get new one in next town I find. It last strap of four I take along on journey." She looked furious. "Original straps lost at sea when ship attacked by singing Tengu, first set of reserves taken by green Oni who want soe-layses or something. Last set damaged by aku children with clubs." She heaved a large sigh as she recounted these mishaps. I chuckled and opened my own pack. "I know all too well how fragile straps can be so I carry a few reserves around myself. I should be able to mend this, for now, but the reserve fasteners aren't much to look at." I held them out, simple brass things without ornamentation and laid them out on a small cloth so I could easily find them.

Taking off the old fasteners was a bit more of a chore than I anticipated, one had partially broken it's screw end and needed to be removed carefully. At such times I'm glad I had invested in a compact yet extensive toolkit. The small bore-claw held it together enough to evict the broken metal without damaging the wood around it. Daubing in a bit of paste I screwed in the new fastenings and attached the straps. I was a little worried that the large pack, which actually looked slightly like an expensive dresser, might be too much for them so I pulled out a pair of ribbons, by chance a matching green and carefully wrapped them around the straps for some added support. Kaori had been looking curiously at my work, though she kept quiet as not to disturb me. Yet when I wound the ribbons in place she gave a little gasp and touched the material.

"These ribbons, yes? Subarashi, yet I not know material they made of. Erh..." She smacked her forehead. "Sorry, I again am rude. I thank you for fixing pack. I not wish to be rude, so I wish to pay for your help and costs of these." As she was pointing at the straps there was no mistake what she meant. "I promise dick-sound on purchase for help, but not know what cost these subarashi ribbons, straps and fastenings." I shook my head and told her they were complimentary, as was the help. She looked as if I had just sprouted wings, so I tried to explain a bit better. "I do not wish payment for helping you. It is my custom to help others when they need it, I do not do so for profit." It was her turn to shake her head. "It custom in my land to not let help be unrewarded. It heap bad luck and rude not to give something."

She looked so determined that I scratched my head. She sighed, went to her pack and after rummaging around in one of the many drawers pulled out a small lacquer-bound book, apparently a paper record of her stock, trades and whatnot throughout her travels and after glancing through it she looked back at me. "Maybe Damast-san need weapon against sankozu or youkai? Or desire dendo lamp for safe use in cave? Maybe want Oba-chan's potion for attracting ladies, ningen and youkai?" I had no idea what those things were that she was talking about using her native words, but the last offer jogged something in my memory. I had intended to pick up a wedding gift for Mari and Desmond on my return trip, but maybe Kaori would have something exotic and memorable in stock, since she was so adamant about giving me something.

"Well, if you're that insistent about it... Would you happen to have something suitable as a wedding gift? A friend of mine is getting married within a month and I'm looking for something memorable for her big day." At this she looked perturbed. "You getting married in month to friend?" I shook my head and laughed. "No, my friend is getting married to her lover. Not to me, I'm merely the guest of honor." She looked thoughtful at this. "I have gift, but maybe if your friend is ningen she not like it. Gift is magic pendant, make light if worn. Very handy for night trip to the toilet." She pulled a box out of another drawer and showed the pendant. I immediately saw that it must have been made by a skilled craftsman, quite aside from having been enchanted.

"That is a beautiful pendant." I said, but before I could refuse it or even tell her I couldn't accept such a valuable gift or pay for it, she had pressed it into my hand.
"I hope your friend like it too. Not all ningen like magic, think it's dangerous." She made a snort of disbelief at that. "You said you are also traveling merchant, yes? I am stranger to these lands, though Oba-chan and Oji-chan tell me about them and teach me language when I was small. Could I ask to travel a long with you till next town?"

I explained to her that I would like that, but that this road led to a town where strangers weren't exactly welcome. Especially women, because the local chapter of the Order always tried to pass them off as mamono in order to extract huge ransoms if they wandered in alone. She wondered why I had to go there then and I explained my reason. This made her smile and she said that she would still like to come along. We hoisted our packs and set off down the road in hopes of making it to the travelers' house at the entrance to the mountain pass before the sun set.

Along the road we talked a bit about our travels and I took the time to correct a few of her grammatical errors as well. She blushed furiously about her incorrect pronunciation of discount and explained as best she could what those foreign words meant. I in turn explained that the Tengu at sea had most likely been Sirens, the green Oni was revealed as a (presumably married) Ogre who wanted shoelaces for her lover most likely and the evil children may have been Goblins. I advised her to keep a few small packs of sweets on her and how to use these to send Goblins and their ilk along with a minimum of fuss. Kaori in turn gave me some advice on how to handle a Youkai, as she calls mamono, called Oomukade which is native to her land.

The sky was a brilliant blend of orange and purple when we approached the travelers' house, yet I immediately noticed that we would not be staying there. The house had been deliberately smashed, judging by the graffiti painted on the remaining walls members of the Tallfort redeemers had been here. Not recently, fortunately enough. If they had still been in the area then their appetite for vandalism would probably have extended to our possessions as well. Kaori glared at the graffiti and pulled off her pack. I apologized and asked if she'd mind hiking a bit further to see if we could find better shelter. She merely shook her head and said that I should wait. She pulled out a large drawer I'd swear I had not seen before and pulled out two bundles of canvas and some strange short tubes.

She twisted one of those tubes and it extended on both sides like a telescope. She tossed it to me with another tube and asked if I could pitch the reserve tent, indicating one of the bundles. It took some time, but eventually we had two tents standing next to each other. I prepared dinner while she got water from the stream we'd passed minutes before we got here. A small, yet dare I say tasty meal later and we went to our tents. Kaori stopped in front though and pulled open yet another drawer from which she withdrew a small statuette. "What is that?" I aksed her. "A sentinel charm, prevents unwanted visitors from disturbing sleep." And she set it down between our tents, causing a soft glow to emanate from a design on the statuette.

Now she had told me earlier how magic items were part of her stock and I was pretty sure her pack would fit that description too, but I still was amazed at how prepared she was for travel. I'm not unaccustomed to sleeping under the stars, but I am grateful when I can sleep indoors, or in this case in a tent. I bade her good night and soon was sailing on the dreamboat.

Chapter 5. Breakfast interlude
I must admit that though I do not mind sleeping under the stars with the traveler's blanket I habitually carry and my arm for a pillow, there are many benefits to sleeping in a tent. Think of the nighttime visitors such as bugs who like to snack on the sleeper, or worse, seek a warm spot on his or her body to crawl into. And the night-time winds that can pack a punch if you just rolled out of your blanket whilst asleep.
Yet a tent isn't a perfect shelter in every situation, especially in our world.

For example, if a mamono comes across your tent and knows enough to check what's inside then she's literally got you bagged before you know why the tent's moving. If bandits come across your tent they quickly reason that if you have enough money to waste on the luxury of a tent, then you or your family can pay a lot more ransom. Sharing a tent can also make one beg to sleep elsewhere if the other sleeper is flatulent or has a snore that can carve stone. Yet with the protective charm in place I slept quite well. I was visited by a strange dream though, my pack was full of bootees in all sorts of colors and one bizarre customer was demanding I show every one of them before he made a purchase. I had just proffered the 500th pair or so when I heard a cry and the customer was kicked out of my dream.

Amusing as that was, I heard another cry and a swishing sound followed by a thud. Being groggy from sleep made me wonder what was going on, without it immediately leading to action on my part. Eventually, hearing more swishing and thudding sounds, I poked my head out of the tent and saw the cause of the noise. Kaori had gotten up a little earlier than I and was kicking a log entwined with rope. Martial arts weren't unknown in my part of the world, but I hadn't seen anything like what she was using against the defenseless log. She balanced on one leg and kept the other close to her torso, delivering little jabs as a fencer would when feinting, followed seemingly at random by a kick that caused a resounding thud to escape the log.

Now and again a hand would dart in, low or high or to the side for balance, yet never striking the log itself. She suddenly jumped and delivered a guillotine kick to the top of the log, impressive surely, but too much for the battered effigy of wood and rope. With a sound disturbingly akin to a tree struck by lightning the ropes snapped as exploding wood fragments pinwheeled through the air. Most people might shout out good morning as soon as they see another person, but knowing how important concentration is during such an exercise I waited until she was done before saying morning.

Kaori turned around fiercely, but seeing my sleep-tossed hair caused her to smile and say good morning in response. I said I'd be out in a minute and retracted my head. Ten minutes later I'd gone to the stream nearby, washed up a bit and brought back the water we'd need for breakfast and our journey through the pass. Kaori had started a small fire using the remnants of the log and ropes as tinder. "I don't mean to pry Kaori, but I must admit I've not seen those moves you used on the perfidious log that attacked our camp this morning." She looked a bit confused so I tapped a larger fragment of the wood still in the fuel-pile. "Ah, I not know what you meaning by perfidus. Maybe it's a joke?" I nodded, explaining that perfidiousness was not something inherent in logs, but since she attacked it so fiercely... She giggled at this. "I defend self by keeping martial arts practiced. I train in Crane style, very useful for traveling merchant who want to use strong legs."

I chuckled and agreed, explaining that I knew a few different styles of unarmed combat myself. She asked me to tell her about the style I used. I agreed, but insisted we finish our repast before demonstrating any moves. The meal didn't last long of course, once we'd committed to eating. When we finished I explained I had not had a formal tutelage as such, but had been taught on the fly by other traveling peddlers. Some of whom had come from the far west and had taught me the basics of a style they called Capoeira which had evolved from a martial dance. It was a style that relied on misdirection, acrobatics and spotting opportunities to take down your opponent as quickly as possible.
She insisted I show it to her then and there.

I stood up and undid my vest, shirt and gloves before loosening my muscles with some warm-up exercises. First I showed her some of the basic movements, noting the differences between a high- and a low approach. She took this in easily and started asking a few pointed questions. I tried to answer her honestly, but having been given only basic training I couldn't answer all her questions. She shrugged at this and asked if we could talk more later as we still had a long road ahead.
I started packing up, though the tents took some aid to take down as I was unused to them. With the sun still pale and a hint of pink on the clouds we set off through the pass.

Chapter 6. Tallfort
In most novels I've read thus far a mountain pass is most often the site of an ambush for the heroes of the tale. Yet in real life a mountain pass is just that; a thoroughfare meant to bring travelers to the towns on either side. In most regions this would ensure that a few patrols of the watch would regularly stomp out any attempt at banditry, or to at least attempt to pacify a mamono who's got a chip on her shoulder about something. The pass leading to Tallfort was not patrolled regularly and by common sense we should have been attacked before getting five feet into it. Yet only one thing of note happened during our trek, so we spent the time talking about things. Simple things like how useful those tents had proven to be, but also a more technical discussion about the construction of our packs.

Eventually Kaori drifted back to the topic of martial arts. "Damast-san must be forgiving me, but I have thought on style you showed earlier. This Capoe-era has focus on evasion, yes, but you spending much time on dancing about. Many Youkai very fast and not all bandits dumb, they wait till you tired then strike." I shook my head at this. "No Kaori, the movements are meant to keep your muscles from cramping. A mamono will of course be faster, at least in most cases, but that's where the misdirecting element comes into play. By keeping your opponent mentally off balance you can compensate differences in strength and speed. But on that note, how do you prevent your muscles from cramping in Crane style?"

She appeared to consider this for a moment before replying. "I stretch in morning so muscles warmed up. When walking, use little energy as I can. When fighting I move arms and make blood flow through my body even to knee by ear. My sensei told me this help against cramps." It sounded like a good explanation. I reflected that, from what I'd garnered from other travelers, that despite outward differences all martial arts held in common some tricks to prevent cramping and such. Thus absorbed it took a moment for me to realize the danger that had stumbled into our path. An Ushi-Oni, weaving about on all eight legs was leaning against the rock wall up ahead and had already spotted us. She did not look too happy to see us, but noticing our packs she seemed to brighten a bit.

"Mornin'... You two folks peddlers by chance?" She paused to let out a prodigious belch. "Ughh.. I'm hoping you got some thing for this damn hangover I got. I need to get some munchies for my hubby and me, but I doubt I'd find my way home like this..." Having dealt with Oni in the past and more importantly the folks they invited to their drinking parties, I usually kept a few remedies with me. So I reached into my pack for them, but Kaori beat me to it. "You try this potion, it taste bad like month old tuna but will cure hangover in minute." The Ushi-Oni looked skeptically at this proclamation, but grabbed the bottle and drank it down without complaint. By the look on her face though it seemed Kaori hadn't been kidding about the taste. A minute later though she relaxed a little and seemed almost completely cured of the hangover.

"Eghh, I feel better, but you were right about the taste. Worst tuna, ever." She then turned around and removed the skull from her belt. "How much do I owe you for this cure?" Kaori produced her notebook and looked up the price. "It's not too much for cure, only 2 silver piece in local currency". The Ushi-Oni grunted at that and pulled out a gold coin. "I'm afraid I've nothing smaller, but maybe you have another flask of that cure? Lai-Min just had her first baby, and her sister is due next week so the damn Oni clans are going to throw another all-neighbors party soon." Kaori tittered at this and I couldn't contain a chuckle either. The Ushi-Oni, who named herself Tia, told us about the people living in the area. Most were mamono, but also human men and their offspring. The most prominent families were Oni who viewed just about anything as a reason to party into the night.

She and her husband were also trying for a baby, but with the hangovers she'd been more interested in sleeping than baby-making. With the second flask in hand and a complimentary pair of baby shoes hanging from one horn she bade us goodbye. One thing bothered me though, she'd pointed over her shoulder down the pass and said the deadbeats in the ugly town had been making a racket of late. So it was with some trepidation that we finally made our way out of the pass. It also dawned on me that Kaori hadn't been afraid of the Ushi-Oni, though most people who gaze upon one for the first time basically went *meep!* and fell prey to the ague's of terror. Something to ask her about later perhaps, she had known Oni back home so maybe she'd met an Ushi-Oni before?

We came to the town gates and I immediately knew something was up. There were more guards manning them than the last time I passed through with my mentor and a few of them sported signs of recent combat. Most had blackened eyes or a split lip, but one had his face wrapped in bandages which were more than a little red. "State your business strangers!" Came the challenge. "This town is a radiant outpost of the Order. We do not need meddlers here or maniacs who consort with mamono."I held up my hand and spoke in a formal tone. "I am Damast the peddler, and this is Kaori my companion on this trip. We are but humble traders who wish to pass through here. Sergeant Keppler may recall my face from my previous visit if he's still stationed here." At this the guardsmen looked a little amazed, one could almost read their thoughts from their foreheads: he's been here before and yet has come back??

Being rather more hurt than they wanted to let on they obviously weren't going to go through with a rough shakedown, though the ranking officer among them demanded a toll of two silvers each. I paid for the both of us and we were allowed into the town proper. Not that it was at all proper though with the road as such being more of a slough of mud and the town square a sodden morass Kaori looked disgustedly at her surroundings. "This not town, but pig-pen. Why ningen live in mud here?" I explained to her, albeit in a hushed voice, that the town was insular. One might even say xenophobic to the point of being bizarre. Perhaps the people living here cared more about keeping out unwanted neighbors like the Ushi-oni and her Oni friends than keeping the place looking tidy. Her response was a disgusted snort. I'd hoped to ask a friendlier native than the guards about Mari's parents' whereabouts when I saw an old woman hobble across the street. Or at least she seemed as such at first glance.

A closer inspection brought instant recognition. It was Mari's mother, though she looked haggard and far older than the few years past should have made her. I called out to her and she waited until we'd caught up to her. She must have had some spark of recognition as she was scrutinizing my face, so I asked her how she had been and if I could talk to her in private for a moment. She answered petulantly that things had been better and that she was busy. Still, she motioned for us to follow her to a small hovel on the edge of the square. The inside was relatively clean, compared to the mud outside it was dry and slightly warmer. She then sat down in an old chair and looked at me some more. "I think I finally know where I know you from. You're that peddler who delivered that demon to our door and then set her up as the new innkeep, right?" She gave me a glare full of venom. "Do tell me why I shouldn't have the guard escort you to the dungeons? I lost my daughter, my home and now my husband when you waltzed into town that day."

I was shocked at this revelation and carefully considered my response....

Chapter 7. Darkness falls
We were in trouble, worse trouble than I had imagined. Kaori had followed me here, so my anxiety was far greater than had I been alone, and my responsibility. The sun was setting, falling like an executioner's axe on a waiting neck. The setting sun illuminated a single figure jerking towards the gates of Tallfort, like a devil's puppet with some of it's strings cut. Our only hope lay in the desperate plan we, the remaining townsfolk and the remaining guardsmen had come up with. Yet I felt detached, as if all the worries resting on my shoulders were somehow happening elsewhere. Kaori had hidden herself in the only tree still standing in town and I stood under the gate, waiting for the doom approaching.

Things had happened so fast, the day whole day had passed by before I realized there was no going back. Yet as I stood there, the entire day flashed before my eyes.
Mari's mother had been ready to call the guardsmen upon recognizing me, for imagined wrongs on my part. So I collected my thoughts and simply told her the truth: Mari was still the same girl she had raised, in spite of her transformation and the need for some dietary changes. The people of the town loved her for who she was, not because she'd seduced them or cast a spell on them. Her eyes became downcast, so I pressed on. I spoke of Mari finally finding her true love in the form of Desmond, of the wedding that would take place a few weeks from now. I went to my knees as I told her how much grief Mari still labored under from the rejection she'd suffered under her parents zealotry, how much it would mean to her if her mother at least would attend the wedding.

The older woman kept silent while I spoke, but tears started falling down her cheeks as I pleaded my case. She wrung her hands and shook her head before finally speaking again. "You risk much by coming here, trader. And you bring great pain to this old heart with your tidings." She sighed. "I wish things could have been different, but my husband and I were both raised in the faith that this town is supposed to champion. Thou shalt not have relations with monsters. Thou shalt not shelter those who do. Shun the heretical and be strong in your faith to your god." Her hands gripped the chair, her knuckles whitening with her grip. A few moments later she relaxed her grip and seemed to deflate, leaning back into her chair. "We believed Mari lost to us, the town revealed as a den of sin. So my husband told me we could start over in Tallfort. A town where the true faith was kept."

"How badly I wanted to believe him. I felt that moving away would heal the rent in my heart, that showing faith would reunite me with my lost human daughter in the here-after." One trembling hand struck the armrest with surprising force. "What a farce. What a despicable charade this town turned out to be." She rubbed her arm just beyond the elbow. "We were treated with suspicion upon coming here and had to answer many questions pertaining to the town we had left... The reason we'd left and why we had not gotten here sooner if we were truly pious." At this her frown deepened. "We were eventually accepted and all went well until it happened... Keppler, god curse his soul, came to lead the chapter of the Order. He'd been sergeant of the guard and a long time redeemer, so he was considered a good replacement for old McKerney." She shook her head slowly. "Then something happened the night he assumed the mantle of leadership. Someone claimed to have seen the silhouette of a woman against his window, but we never did learn if that was what happened.

All I know is he came charging out of the building, screaming in pain and rage with bandages around his waist area and his sword coated in blood. He slew old Domack who'd been maintaining the shield for being lax in his paramount duty. Other guardsmen and villagers fell to his blade before he retreated into the building. My husband and I were unfortunate enough not to be among the dead." She buried her face in her hands at this. "When he came out he rounded up all who yet lived and demanded we atone for not spotting an assassin by helping to re-raise and strengthen the barrier that should have protected against monsters. He branded the villagers with a strange rune and pressed the guard to work long shifts on both gates." She raised her head with a dead stare and rolled up her sleeve. It was the same arm she had just rubbed and it showed a blood gorged symbol that I had not seen before or would want to see again.

Kaori gasped as she saw it, rushed forward and firmly grabbed the old woman's arm. "I not believe this! Curse seal that drain life force, I only see once when Oba-chan sent me to bring Ryu-sama Mihime her new robes. One man cursed with seal, it took Ryu-sama's magic power to break." She traced the design of the symbol, but not directly along it's edge, as if it were a contagious malignancy. "Baka-onna! Why you let him do to you this? Curse seals kill people and send souls to realm of akuma." Mari's mother shrugged. "We were afraid. My husband died a month ago, spent. We couldn't leave as Keppler's been going out to hunt those who tried... Their heads under his arm as he returned." She shivered. "He had also been hunting monsters in the mountains recently, but I think that's just an excuse. He has been coming back with brick dust on him, so I fear he may be slaughtering farmers and other folks who live nearby."

I was appalled, outraged and flabbergasted all at once, as was Kaori by the look on her face. "You should go while you can, for when Keppler returns he'll put you to the sword..." Mari's mother broke down into sobs, but Kaori wrapped her in her arms and tried to calm her. I moved to help, but Kaori shook her head. When she'd calmed down, Mari's mother was so exhausted Kaori helped her over to the bed and she was out like a light. "Damast-san, we talk." Kaori moved swiftly, yet quietly to the small part of the house that served as the hallway. A small, partitioned off area before the door. I followed her as quietly as I could before addressing her softly. "Kaori, I'm sorry for having dragged you into this. I had no idea something like this was going on here." She silenced me by lightly placing a finger to my lips. "I here of own free will, which is good. You not know of seal, yes?" I nodded. "Like I say, I only see once before now. Ryu-sama Mihime is protector of Oba-chan's village, but also teacher who show me dangerous mahou and what can do about it if struck by." She grimaced.

"This curse seal only seen once as I said. Man came to shrine with curse seal on him, nearly dead from it, Ryu-sama have heap mahou.. eh magic power so could break aku curse seal. I not have power to do so. Yet I not going away and letting this go on, Damast-san I must stop this." I placed my finger on her lips. "I know, I feel the same way. I may not know about curse seals, but this is beyond evil." I flung my arms up. "Much as I detested this town, I'd be as guilty as not if I let this continue. But what can we do?" Kaori looked grim. "We need find out if focus of power flow is Keppler or item. If item, then we destroy and stop Keppler from making new. If Keppler, we kill him. Else we need question Keppler. I am feeling very angry at onore Keppler, but cannot kill out of hand. Only other way is to bring town to local Ryu-sama. But even married one only have so much power, people here not have much longer."

We were shocked when someone knocked on the door behind us...

Chapter 8. Tears in darkness
Kaori jumped at the knock as it was pretty loud and she was standing right behind the door, with a girlish squeek she hid behind me before she realized what she was doing. Stifling a laugh I opened the door to see the guard with bandages around his head standing outside. "You folks need to be inspected" he said in a loud voice whilst giving a wink and shooing me back a bit before entering. "Sorry about that, but I'm meaning to 'ave a word with you. Talking in a public space ain't the best place for what I'm wanting to talk t' ya about either." I replied that we'd be happy to talk, but the old lady was sleeping in the back. He didn't mind talking in the hallway, but did give a stare at the use of the term old lady.

"Son, I'm aware of how things look, but she's no old lady. She's barely forty at most I reckon." He rubbed at his cheek, causing the red spots on the bandages to smear slightly. "Heck, I'm not even forty, but there's things going on in town that ain't natural. I had ya pegged as an old neighbor or something of hers, but though ye know her enough to be invited in the house ya called her an old lady." He gave a piercing glare, which with the bloody bandages made a frightening sight. "Ya mind explaining that, son?" I returned the glare with a friendly enough (or so I hoped) look and explained that I had only been a passing acquaintance of hers, but was a friend of her daughter. I noted he looked surprised that I'd admit that.

"Hot damn! You've got some balls son, telling that to me. We ain't exactly friendly to the monstrous womenfolk hereabouts, nor to their changed boyfriends. Least, not normally, but right now I'd take an incubus and a gang of goblins over our commander." I told him of what we'd heard from Mari's mom Mariette and asked if he knew anything more. He made a revolted sound and spat expertly into the small waste bin on the thicker side of the wall. "Heck son, how'd you reckon I got the make-over? Keppler used to be a good man, if a little zealous. Then he became captain-commander and went berserk after the first night." He shook his head. "He ain't human, not 'nymore. After the first killings I asked him what had a' happened, we'd heard a woman scream before he charged out and spit Domack like a pig for roasting, but all he said were t'mind my own business. He then lashed out an' cut my face up. It's not healing neither."

"Thing is, you knew him from before?" I said so before, so I nodded and said that I only had a passing acquaintance with him as the man had led the shakedown when my mentor and I passed through town years ago. "Tsk, figured as much. People don't like us redeemers, even the non criminal ones. But the truth is, we're pretty much doomed. We guards don't have to help with the shield, but if Keppler don't find any monsters to kill he runs through one of us for failing his duties." He looked grim. "We've decided though that this has to stop, even if it kills us. If'n ya got some potions or weapons with a bit of an extra edge to them, if y'know what I mean, we could use them." He looked worried. "Ye'd best skedaddle after though, he can track us natives easily through some sorta magic, but you two may be able to get away if you go fast."

Kaori shook her head. "We see what happening in town, we see aku curse seal on mrs. Mariette. We not run, but fight Keppler. I study under master Rakouija to fight, she teach me to face akuma. I study under Mihime Ryu-sama to protect self and others from aku mahou. I not allow this onore to defile people further." She crossed her arms and gave a fiercely determined look to the guard. "Shucks missy ya mean well, and I see that, but I weren't kidding when I said Keppler's no longer human. Brutus was our armorer, big guy who smashed heads as well as he hammered steel, he didn't last five seconds. Facing that bastard is a suicide mission for us, do or die either way. You two ain't got to do this and can just mosey on home." It was my turn to give him a determined look. "You need every bit of help you can get. We're not backing down or going home until the issue's been resolved."

He shook his head and slumped his shoulders, but then brightened up a bit. "Well, glad to have ya aboard then... Can't say I don't appreciate it, but please do ya'selves a favor and don't die." Kaori took his hand and patted it. "Not worry, we beat perfidious log this morning, so Keppler no issue. But it's important we prepare battle before it here. You guardsmen round up villagers for aid in battle?" He nodded affirmatively. "Good, but tell them to make... erh..." She waved her hands. "I not know word in this language, but tatemokoru, eh, blocks of wood and planks to slow foe." He looked surprised. "Ya mean barricades?" She nodded. "And I give you powder, mix with hot water and have people drink. It give heap energy, but color tongue blue." I pulled a sturdy case out whilst she gave him a further list of potions she would give along, including a solution that would give a blade enough enchantment to damage even unnatural creatures.

"I'm afraid most of my wares are non-offensive and most of the rest aren't immediately useful, but this box contains small alchemical bombs, pull the pin and throw it within 3 seconds. They're most useful if thrown far." The guard who belatedly introduced himself as Samm, with double m, offered thanks for our help and asked what we'd do now. "Damast-san and I need to look in tower. Barrier depend on townspeople, but centered there, not on Keppler. We try take down barrier to strengthen townspeople and learn what may about Keppler." He nodded at that and bade me take the keys he carried. "Can't give 'm to ya with my arms full, son. Good luck in there, if'n you go to his office, look out for the needle trap on the door if it's locked."

With that we went our separate ways, Kaori and I set a brisk pace for the tower. Getting in was easy enough, the keys fit the locks well and the latter had been given good maintenance until recently. Nothing special caught our eye in the halls, the dorms or even the dungeon (which was apparently used more for storage), but Keppler's office was a different matter. The door wasn't locked, but Kaori took some time in studying it. "Ooh, design very sloppy, only safe to open with thick gauntlets. Oji-chan know about traps and teach Kaori a little bit. This trap made with bad material, has worn catch." She veered backwards as the catch gave way and the needle sprang forward, only to sag and twist it's expulsion mechanism. "Pfeh! If maker alive, I kick if meet. Bad design!"

We entered the office and looked around. Nothing seemed amiss, until Kaori spotted some pottery shards lying on the floor. "Ack! This bad Damast-san, look!" She pointed to a symbol on one of the shards. I'm no expert on the things, but the symbol did not leave much room for doubt, a fanged circle with a small skull between the points of it's fangs. The skull bore a small symbol I did not recognize, but the overall image suggested a warning for great evil. "Kaori, what is this exactly? Some seal for an evil artifact?" She grimaced. "You not know? Mihime teach children in Lan-Feong to know about sealed ones, yet not know here?" She started shaking. "They sealed old akuma, before youkai more human like. Sealed ones live to kill, to spread aku no yami', darkness of evil. They sealed until can be destroyed, Mihime-sama's oka-san destroy one. Unleashed sealed one bad news more than I thought would ever see."

By now she was shivering head to toe, so I stepped up and held her. "Calm down Kaori, perhaps it's not as bad as it seems." She shook her head and continued to shiver, grabbing hold of my jacket. "I scared Damast-san, I not have mahou strong enough to deal with sealed one. No item in pack either." Her breathing had sped up, but I stroked her back and held her close till she calmed down again. We then heard a sound from the wall behind us. The shelf next to it had a button, which I pushed as Kaori let go and started to move aside. The hidden compartment showed us something horrible, it was a woman whose arms had been nailed to the wall by a slim, curved blade. Her body bore painful wounds, as if something had bitten pieces from her. She moaned and managed to crack open one eye, the other crusted with blood. "Onegai, strangers... release me... Great danger." Her head drooped then, though she fought to keep her arms from changing position.

Before I knew what I was doing, I had grabbed hold of the woman and motioned Kaori to pull the sword out. She did so and the woman slumped in my arms. I gently rolled her over and stood up slowly, carrying her in my arms to the bed which hadn't been used in a long time, or so it seemed. I unpacked my first aid kit and started treating her as best I could while Kaori mixed some of her powders and made a potion before dribbling it into the woman's mouth slowly. She massaged her throat so the semi-conscious woman would swallow. She then ran downstairs and came back with water in a pitcher to which she added a small sprinkle of brownish powder. Taking a clean handkerchief from her pack she dipped it into the water and started cleaning the woman's face.

Suddenly, Kaori jumped up. "Mei-Mei! This Mei-Mei! Why she here?" I looked up. "You know this woman?" She raised a hand to her mouth and answered in a hushed tone. "Mei-Mei, she Kunoichi youkai from Lan-Feong local clan. She leave before I do on big assignment. She not tell me where she go, only that she go, but I hope had to see her when I return home." Tears were pooling in her eyes, so I took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I won't lie to you Kaori, she's badly hurt, but I think that she may recover. Now listen to me, I know this is hard on you, but you say she is a youkai, a mamono?" She only nodded. I turned back to Mei-Mei and spotted a long tail sticking out under her leg, I lifted the leg and laid the tail in a more comfortable position. The tip was heart-shaped. "I don't know, but she has a tail like a Succubus, yet no wings... It's worth a shot though..."

From the ögly bag I pulled the new vials of male extract, popped the cork on one and oozed the contents between Mei-Mei's lips while stroking her throat like I had seen Kaori do. She swallowed and her eyes opened. *cough, cough!* "Ugh... I live or so it seems. Thanks stranger." I waved away her thanks and popped the cork off the other bottle. "Drink slowly, it's not the best tasting, but it should help." She drank it down and seemed to be a little stronger. Kaori plopped down and hugged Mei-Mei. "Huhhh... Huhn? Kaori-chan?? Nani?!" Kaori cried as she spoke to her in their native tongue, but I guessed the gist of it; that she was happy Mei-Mei didn't die. Still, the Kunoichi was badly hurt, so I gently pried Kaori from her. "Sorry Kaori, I know it's tough, but she needs to rest now if she's to get better." Mei-Mei shook her head.

"No, I not know how Kaori get here, but she in danger. More than I... I botch assignment to check on sealed one and take commander as husband. Barrier keeps out most youkai from around here, not from Lan-Feong or other places. Break crystal on roof, but not touch. Old barrier use Tengoku energies, current aku... evil energies." She looked ready to pass out again. "Kaori, listen, use mahou soshin. Mihime-sama too far away... Call Balase-chan and flee." Her eyes rolled up in her head and she went out like a light. I checked her pulse, fortunately she had merely passed out. Turning, I saw Kaori trying to stop her tears, but to no avail, so I again held her and whispered that Mei-Mei was going to be alright. Her sobs still shook her, but she calmed down enough for a determined look to return to her eyes. "Damast-san, thank you... I must use magic to call this Balase, can you smash the crystal?"

I nodded and pulled some protective gear: a mask, gloves and apron that were meant for smithing and a sturdy hammer with a long handle. The roof was harder to get onto than I thought, but I managed it as I heard Kaori intone what sounded like a prayer in song. As I saw the crystal I knew it must have been beautiful once, but now it was marred by charcoal-grey symbols that swirled within the semi-opaque crystal. It shattered easily and the barrier dissolved immediately. My hammer though, started turning black, so I dropped it. Before it hit the ground, it had turned to dust. As I clambered back into the room Kaori grabbed me and pulled me to safety. "Damast-san, this Balase-sama say she come with help, but we need hold out till they get here."

So we took our stand, Kaori in the tree to launch a surprise attack, the townsfolk on the battlements over the gate to throw explosives and stones. The guards aside the gate to stab with their spears and halbards. And I in the center, as bait. An ululating cry of rage split the air as the possessed Keppler spotted me, his blood-drenched sword spattering him and the ground with drops of crimson. "Here goes nothing..."

Chapter 9. Meeting the reaper
The shell of a man that had been Keppler did not look surprised to see me standing there, it did not stop to ask my business. Or why I stood there awaiting him. I recognized the face of course, but it looked more like a loose mask of a man draped over something else. Rents in the skin oozed pus and the eyes were almost black with blood. My smith's gear wasn't much in terms of armor, but I was glad I'd decided to keep it on. The bottom strings tied tightly together left enough mobility for my fighting style and the small truncheon I usually kept well hidden would help fend off some of the creature's attacks... Or so I hoped.

It had moved into range when the first rocks went sailing through the evening sky, followed by the small bombs I'd donated for the effort. A good tactic in most cases as rocks skipping off their heads gives people pause... Time enough for the charges to go off and really give them something to complain about. Keppler though was hardly slowed by the rocks and though the bombs caused damage to his body the only reaction he gave was a wordless snarl of rage. I hadn't liked him, hadn't known him well enough to like him I still resented his avaricious plundering of our hard earned money when my mentor and I first met him. Yet seeing the extensive amount of damage inflicted upon him, I couldn't help but hope that the man Keppler was spared the agony of his wounds and had escaped in spirit the foul thing now moving his body.

Samm and the other guards struck the abomination as it passed through the outer gate. It snarled at them and spewed the word traitors with such venom I feared it meant to curse them with it's evil energies, yet the thing simply wrenched the weapons out of their grasps, breaking hafts and an arm or two with as much ease as a dustdevil would tear through a pile of leaf litter. "You!" The thing bellowed. "You put them up to this! You stole my sustenance!" It pointed to the ruined crystal on top of the tower. "I will rend your flesh from your bones for that. All your souls are mine!" The thing swung it's sword in an overhead chop, expecting me to be too afraid to move, perhaps hopeful that the blow would kill me. I dodged to the side slightly and brought the truncheon down hard on the hand holding the sword. A resounding crack signaled I'd broken a bone or two at least, but the possessed creature gave not even the slightest indication of pain or discomfort.

Instead it dragged the sword through the ground in a powerful arc intended to lop off my leg at the foot, so I rolled backwards, spread my legs wide and using them to gain momentum I spun upright. A quick hop forwards allowed me to strike the other arm near the elbow. Another crack, but again with little to no result. The thing managed to strike a glancing blow, sending me flying. Luckily Samm and another guard had recovered enough to whack the thing with a rusty old mace and a wood-cutting ax respectively so it could not reach me with a killing blow before I recovered. Samm's mace bounced off, though it fared little better than my truncheon, the other guard managed to chop a deep crease into it's shoulder. A normal person would have crumpled under such an attack alone, a broken collarbone being quite painful with the weight of the mobile arm hanging from it, but the creature just rammed it's sword wielding hand into the guard's stomach, and pulled the unfortunate fellow onto a weapon fragment sticking out of it's body and bit into his throat at the same time.

We could not afford to lose any more fighters, so I gave a shake of my head to Samm and sent a rock I'd picked up when I was getting up flying towards the thing's head. Bull's-eye hit, literally almost as the rock tore out the eyeball partially. With one eye dangling on gangrenous fleshy threads our foe turned towards me, flinging the corpse of the poor guard hard to the side. I retreated to the tree where Kaori had been preparing a trap of sorts that we'd hoped would slow the creature down. She'd stressed that what we faced was ancient evil, cunning and powerful, so any chance we'd have of distracting or weakening it beforehand would benefit the usefulness of the trap. Keppler followed, picking up speed in spite of the grotesque wounds evident on his body. A darkness, like smoke made of shadows wafted from some of the larger rents in his flesh, giving testament to Kaori's warnings. That evil emanation could poison you, drain the life from you in a matter of heartbeats if you got caught in it.

I gave an appreciable imitation of a coward, my performance enhanced by the fact that this thing genuinely frightened me, in hopes of leading him further on. He took the bait and as he passed under the tree iron rods speared the earth, connected by ropes festooned with paper strips bearing a variety of warding spells. A sharpened rod followed a split second later, impaling Keppler's body through the thigh and shoulder. Kaori jumped from the tree as she dropped an open crystal vial onto the creature. A second later, it tried to stand up, but the contents of the vial, having been exposed to air, activated and sent what I can only describe as a web of electricity bouncing along the rods, striking at the center one upon which the creature had been impaled. Then, a spark shot up into the sky and caught a cloud that had been lazily drifting along, if a shade darker than its kindred. Seconds later, a bruise had formed on the cloud and it shot down a relatively small, yet still impressive bolt of lightning. The web of electricity danced and radiated power like a star as the Keppler thing inside was subjected to the full brunt of the bolt.

When the light subsided the tree had caught fire, the flickering flames illuminating a truly horrifying sight: Keppler's body had been charred beyond recognition, the rod that had impaled him had melted partially, covering the left side of his body with molten slag. His sword had also melted onto the hand that had held it, the two now an inseparable lump with an edge sticking from it. For a moment I dared hope we might have ended the battle, ended the creature.. But then, with a resounding crack of charcoal skin breaking it stood up straight, turned an eyeless skull towards me and in a completely inhuman voice said: "Nice try... But trying does not count!" Next thing I know it grabs one of the remaining rods and with inhuman strength flings it at me faster than I could dodge. There's no pain at first as it hits my shoulder, though I'm suddenly flying... The ground, when I hit it, brings the pain along for the ride. I hear Kaori scream my name and see the creature approach, lifting it's half-melted blade even as a resounding thud sounds somewhere behind my head.

"This is it... Now I'll see if the myths are true and the dead are claimed by a grim reaper..." I thought as it brought the blade down. *Clangg!* "Not so fast, you bastard!" a surprisingly young and yet somehow mature feminine voice calls out as a scythe appears in my field of vision. I feel something soft yet unbelievably strong latch onto my un-wounded shoulder and drag me past. A vision of fur, hooves and for some reason sensible underwear passes me as other, smaller hands grab me. The creature's howl of rage is met with a war cry of such vehement revulsion that for a moment I feared it had split into two new unholy terrors. I'd realize later that this was just the shock deluding my mind, but then Kaori drifted into my vision along with little girls for some reason. I must be dreaming I thought, I haven't dated her, much less proposed to Kaori, so how come we've kids???

A tearing pain lances through my stupor as the rod is pulled from my shoulder. "Miss, please hold him still! We need to mend his shoulder or he'll bleed to death!" Strong hands grab my other shoulder and legs as two small voices recite words of magic, though for all I knew they might have been singing a song about groceries. Four small hands glowing with energy touch the wound and by some miracle the bleeding stops.. I feel something pulling, as if the wound were shutting of it's own accord, new skin and new bone growing. With this going on in my shoulder I feel my legs swell as if they've just filled with blood, my heart picking up the pace to move it to the rest of my body. I blacked out for a bit, or so I thought, next thing I know Kaori's got me propped up against herself and the night sky is filled with arcs of magical energy surrounding the creature that had nearly killed me. A smaller shadow with horns in front of it and smaller still faces and hands holding the ends of the arcs around them.

The horned shadow sprang back, as the creature gave a wail of impotent fury. "Hold your positions! Pour in extra juice, I'll need to charge up the finishing blow." My blurry vision still didn't tell me much, but even at this distance I felt something powerful taking shape, congealing as a ball of purple energy laced with streaks of blue. The creature put up a struggle that would have classified as legendary by any standards, but still couldn't break free of it's bonds. Then the ball suddenly streaked towards it, making an ominous rumbling sound as it picked up speed. The creature managed by supreme effort to free one arm and flung it out in an effort to stop the approaching doom. a smaller arc latched onto the arm and pulled it to the side. "Cut the link to yourselves now! Do it, quickly!" One by one the magic energies cut loose from their casters, twining together around the creature. Then the ball of energy hit it and started growing, enveloping the creature and absorbing the magic clinging to it. One unearthly wail of despair sounded before the sphere turned opaque, then grey before crumbling and fading to naught.

Talking had been impossible, but I worked my jaw and managed to say "Did it..." before I started to pass out again. I managed to grab Kaori's hand before the light and the world faded and gave as much of a gentle squeeze as I could. I woke to sounds not unfamiliar to me, children talking in hushed tones as if they were afraid of being caught with illegitimately obtained cookies...

Chapter 10. Precious things
I've always liked kids, not like some perverts do, but simply liked them. There was no shortage of them in Littlebrook, the town being something of an open orphanage more than anything else. Yet as I struggled to awaken fully I realized the voices I had been hearing were engaged in a technical discussion far beyond what kids would talk about.... At least to my knowledge. I cracked open my eyes, feeling as if they'd been closed a bit longer than usual and yawned.. The sound was a bit whispier than usual though. "...and that's why you can't use it as a bag of holding, never mind the smell. Huh? Hey, he's awake! Get Balase-chan and her guests pronto!" Small feet pattered across the floor in two directions, one moving away and the other getting closer.

"Heya big guy, good~morning!" A small face appeared in my field of vision, topped with a white conical hat marked with runes and the symbol of medicine as used by most doctors."So how are you feeling? Any ouchies or weirdnesses?" I tried to say something, but my voice was still too whispy to belong to me, but I managed to word "water". The girl's face disappeared and shortly returned with a glass of water and a small cloth. "Hmm.. can't tell if you can drink by yourself yet, but lets try to get some water in like so.." She dabbed the cloth into the water and put it into my mouth. It lessened the dryness a bit and I was able to say thank you, though still not up to my usual voice. She dabbed a few more times and I felt a little stronger for it. "So, now that's out of the way I really do need to check with you on how you're feeling. Anything hurt at all?" I told her honestly that I felt fine, but a little weak.

"Not surprising, considering the blood you lost and the amount of healing magic used to close the wound." Despite being rather petite, even by the standards of little girls she started poking at my arms and legs and with each jab asked if I'd felt it. A short while later she stopped, rubbed the bridge of her nose and the gave me a level stare. "You're doing well, considering... I was asked to send word as soon as you awoke to Balase-chan and your friends, but perhaps it's best not to rush things..." I waved her concern away, grabbed the glass and drank a few careful sips. More so than my strength I think my control surprised her. Some folks would gulp down the water immediately, not knowing that a stomach might throw it up again if they'd been wounded. "I owe you my thanks, you and your friend closed the wound too during the battle, right?" She shook her head. "Nah, my twin sister and our trainee did that, I was tending the wounded on the other side. Still, you remember the battle? Could you tell me what you remember?" I told her what I could, though I was the first to admit that I was rather delirious from the wound by the end of the battle.

"Tsk! That Balase-chan, wearing granny-panties to battle!" That comment along with the long suffering look told me the little girl was probably an old, old friend of the mysterious Balase-chan. Certain things went click in my mind and I blurted out a question. "Pardon, but do you and this Balase person belong to a Sabbath chapter?" She clapped her hands and grinned mischievously. "Correct! Balase-chan is our fearless leader. We're a bit different though, as you may learn if you can mind your manners. So don't worry about being press-ganged into joining." She ruffled my hair and stepped onto the floor again. "My name's Kira, my sister's Rika and our trainee's Kairi, though people tend to call us the Anagram healers. Now just rest a bit, they'll be here soon."

I closed my eyes for a bit and though not asleep I was startled fully awake again when I heard a clop-clop-clop sound approaching. Kaori was pushing a wheelchair in which Mei-Mei sat, her arms in some specialist slings. Behind them I saw two horns rising into the air above a mop of mousy brown hair. Kaori set the chair on it's brakes next to the bed, then gave me a sudden hug. "Easy there gal, there's enough time for that later." Kaori extracted herself and moved aside. The owner of the horns and hair clomped over and gave me a stare that went to the bone. "So, you're still with us in the land of the living young Damast. I am Balase, leader of the local Sabbath chapter and go-to person for the whole region as far as magical threats are concerned." Without further ceremony, the pulled back the covers and gave my chest a critical examination. "Looks like it's healing fine, but then again that's what I trust will happen with a patient under Kira's care." She gave a serious look then.

"You were lucky, don't doubt that... That creature would have killed you, or worse, taken you over as a new host had it the brains left to do so. Fortunately, the long confinement coupled with that poor fool's struggling kept it from thinking straight." She let out a long sigh. "If only I'd thought to check in sooner, but there was a damn near war going on between two groups of idiots." Kira tsk'd in the background. "Idiots, Kira, nothing more till they extracted their heads from their asses on my order. Even if our grandkids were among them that does not excuse what they did." She turned back to me. "You've been kept asleep for a few days, just to let your body recover. The town of Tallfort will recover in time, though I'm not allowing the Order near there again, not after they failed so spectacularly in the one duty assigned to them by the treaty." The Baphomet then smiled. "I wish you luck for the next few minutes though, you've got an army of well wishers waiting for you, but I couldn't keep these two from here any longer." She hummed mischievously as she went over to Kira.

Kaori didn't waste any time and hugged me again. "I though you die Damast-san.." she whispered. "I scared so badly they knock me out to let go of you." I patted her head. "I'm alright Kaori, just a little winded. The doctor says I'm doing well." I gave her arm a squeeze. "But please tell me, are you alright? The time after being hit is a bit of a blur... And how's Mei-Mei? She was hurt worse than I." Kaori gave a little smile. "I am good, head hurt when I came to, but now no more. Mei-Mei also recovering well, though arms can't move for a while." Mei-Mei nodded. "I'm alive, thanks to you two yuusha's, er.. heroes. Doc Rika says my arms might take a while to recover fully, but things are looking well. I wanted to thank you for everything Damast-sama, Kaori-sama." She bowed her head as far as the slings allowed. "Know that the Kunoichi of Lan-Feong do not forget heroes, or our debts of honor to them. Doctor Kira! Could you pick me up? I think the bandages need changing." Kaori shook her head at that, but kept her silence as the pint-sized physician disengaged the breaks and rolled Mei-Mei away.

"Mei-Mei always serious, I can not stop her of making oath, nor of fulfilling it. Yet she is dear friend and I know she means well." She then turned her eyes back to me and I noticed they were reddish with tears pooling in the corners. "I'm glad she's alright, but I'm worried about you." I wiped a tear from her cheek. She stifled a sob. "Sorry, I so sorry, but Damast-san first person who nice to me when come here to far land from home. Damast-san brave yuusha, I count as dear friend, but then got hit. I worried sick!" She ground her teeth. "Doctor work to make you better again, but still I not stop worry. Then Balase-sama ask about magic lightning cage, if I learn from famous spellcaster Lavender Thunder. I say no, learn from Oba-chan. Turns out she met Oba-chan years ago, she then have nickname of Lavender Thunder." Kaori shook her head in disbelief. "I know Oba-chan teach spell, but famous for spells here? Big shock!"

A whooshing sound came from the other end of the room, we turned in unison to see three logs spinning in the air before landing perfectly balanced on the floor. "One day I learn that trick..." Kaori muttered softly. "Damast-san, that Mei-Mei's log replacement trick, I not know where logs from, but they leave." She sighed. "I want talk to you alone. But kudashai, please... Not interrupt." She scooted towards the door and locked it, then shoved a chair under the handle before scooting back. "I tell you about Oba-chan and Oji-chan first... They met in these lands at chance. They first not get along, because Oba-chan had much ai, passion I think is word, for adventure. Go to big haunted castle, sell to ghosts. Oji-chan less adventurous, want to sell locks and trap design to people. Oba-chan hear about big treasure behind locked door in ruins to west. She look for person who break in, not find, then met Oji-chan. She dragged him along, they bicker about many things then make it there. Ruins full of traps, they save each other and fell in love. They reach door, only find it open and treasure gone but they find each other so still happy."

"They journey across lands, met Balase-sama and her shojo mahou group sometime then. Then Oba-chan get pregnant with Otosan, they make journey to Lan-Feong and set up shop. Oji-chan make good money off foreign youkai with blue skin and snake hair called Ekidda or something while Oba-chan nurse baby Otosan, later sell her potions and enchanted things. Many youkai like them and come from far to buy and sell. Otosan grew up, but not marry yet. He go further east with pack, met Okasan there and got married. Okasan... Not good at being nice, heap trouble from being orphan and not having been raised well. Kaori was born, we happy." She's pulled the precious gift from her Oba-chan out of her pack and was clutching it. "Then horror... Otosan and Okasan get in argument, Okasan leave home to cool off.. Otosan..." Tears were streaming from her eyes at this point. "Otosan take Kaori to Oba-chan and Oji-chan and say he go talk things over with Okasan."

Kaori had a far-away look in her eyes as she continued. "I never see either again. Oba-chan come in room crying, tell me accident happen, Oji-chan and she take care of Kaori for while... Later they tell me truth: Okasan and Otosan make up, go see stars on spot they love then earth shake, spot break off cliff..." Her hands shook so badly I couldn't help but grab them and hold them gently, earning me a sad smile. "I miss them, but grew up happy with Oji-chan and Oba-chan and many friends in village. Mei-Mei like big sister, Mihime patient teacher and friend. Ryudaa and Sanadi talk rough, but good friends and sensei Kikakki not say praise often but fond of Kaori." She raised her hands from mine and made sure I saw the little green package. "When I set out on journey they all help me, each gave little help. Oba-chan and Oji-chan give this. It most precious gift I receive, irreplaceable. It contain picture of Otosan, Okasan and Kaori set in crystal by magic. I not show anyone, because very painful and precious both."

She pressed a small switch somewhere along the top and with a slight chiming sound the package folded its lid out to the sides. Slight light emanated from within. "In short time since we met, you Damast-san have become precious to Kaori. But I shamed, I promise to keep secret while on journey, only reveal if certain of heart. I show you picture and hope you forgive for not telling." She handed me the box and I bent my head to look at the picture, wondering what she meant. A soft sound, almost like a sigh that filled the room like a giant feather touched my ears as I did so. Inside the box a crystal plate sat against the bottom, gleaming with an inner light. It showed three people: A man of mixed heritage holding two ice-cream cones in one hand, a woman with a fancy foreign dress holding but one and a little girl held up by both... Both the woman and the girl had amber eyes, soft brown hair with inhuman ears sticking out of it at the top and bushy tails. The girl's wrapped around her mother's neck, the woman's around her husband's middle. All three looked happy, if a little embarrassed.

"Oji-chan is ningen, as is Oba-chan, same with Otosan. Okasan and Kaori... technically youkai..." I looked up at her and saw she spoke the truth, her hair parted around two fuzzy ears and a ringed tail vibrated with the same tension that showed on her face. The revelation did not shock me, not at all, funnily enough. I gently took one of her hands and gave it a little squeeze. "Kaori, what's there to forgive?" I asked, and pulled her closer. "You have become precious to me as well... Being a mamono doesn't change that. I can't thank you enough for saving my life, or for showing this priceless keepsake either." The latter still in hand I wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug. "Don't for a moment think otherwise." She returned the hug wordlessly, a smile brightening her tear-streaked face as we basked in silent togetherness. Que an unwelcome intrusion in the form of a polite cough.

"Sorry miss Kaori, but my patient still needs to rest... He's no where near well enough for any canoodling." We both turned beet-red and looked upon Kira who had apparently whisked herself past the barred door and had taken to hanging over the board at the end of the bed. The grin she flashed us was knowing, but not condescending. "Ha! any more innocent and I'd think you two would belong in kindergarten. Still, if you can keep your pants on tonight I'll pull up a bed so you won't have to be apart." Saying so, she waved a wand through some passed and then pulled the end back towards her like a fisherman would pull in a fish. Another bed rolled towards us and Kaori scooted aside, the bed trailing gummy-bears for some reason. "Darn that Kairi, I told her a thousand times that snacks and sweets can't be kept on the ward..." Kira sighed and used some small wordless magic to remove the packet and the trailing bears. "Let's see how she likes that! Now, you both could do with sleeping by the looks on you, so get ready for bed miss. And not a peep out of you, mister."

So saying she went about closing the curtains at the far end of the ward. I told Kaori I wanted to talk to her again soon, but we could do with a little sleep. She moved behind a curtain, put her precious package back in her pack and pulled out a nightgown. Fighting the drowsiness creeping up on me I waited till she scooted into her bed, which had rolled up right beside mine, and gave her shoulder a little squeeze, which she returned by grabbing my hand. As weariness claimed victory we sank into dreams...

Chapter 11. Time flies
My old mentor Walt had taught me a great many things during the time we traveled together. how to deal with mamono, how to gauge a village's financial situation and adjust the prices of your stock accordingly, how to watch out for scams and so many things more. The one area where his general expertise had been a bit lacking was in what poets would call the lists of love. He'd been in love as a young man, with a girl from the city he'd grown up in. She was sickly though and died before they could get married, he never got over her. Or at least so it seemed, until he'd taken me back there. He was flustered and embarrassed, but ultimately confided that someone had stolen his heart. A shy woman of some means apparently for he shut down his route as a wandering peddler, gave me the remaining stock and had taken his vows with her in private.

He did apologize, stating that his lovely wife had wanted a private ceremony and could be pretty insistent. We parted ways then, though he always seemed to know when I was in town and usually would spend the day with me. It was during one of these meetings I actually did meet his wife. I had taken a different gate into the city, one near the necropolis when I spotted him just exiting this large mansion. He was a bit flustered, but happy to see me. When we were just exchanging news the door opened and a soft, slightly worried voice called out. "Walt, you forgot..." He turned and I saw past his shoulder a petite woman in a loose grey garment holding a small basket of empty bottles. "A my darling, I'm sorry. I was just talking to my old apprentice Damast here and I forgot about the bottles. I'd like to introduce you two, if you feel up to it." She nodded, but only moved a few steps forward, so we went over to her.

"Natasha, this is Damast, my apprentice and a good merchant. Damast, this is the love of my life, my darling Natasha." She gave a tremulous smile and extended a hand, which I shook. "Nice to meet you Damast, Walt has told me about you... So much. I'm sorry I couldn't meet you earlier, but I..I'm not good with people, they make me nervous." We spent the rest of the day together and I saw just how much good marriage had done for Walt. Still, Natasha excused herself frequently. Walt confided in me when she had left again. "Sorry Damast, but she's really a shy girl. Her family guarded the necropolis in ages past, to keep the restless dead in check and inter new tenants. She grew up as an undertaker's daughter and is more comfortable when people don't move anymore." That visit had taken place but a few months before, but it felt like a lifetime ago. I had survived a deadly battle against something incredibly evil and met a beautiful girl who'd given me her hear as I had given mine to her.

We slept through the night peacefully, holding hands and dreaming simple pleasant dreams. The next morning came and with it came some new sensations. I smelled a faint odor, almost like a cinnamon perfume, but more whispy like steam wafting from cinnamon buns. Next thing I know soft lips touch mine and I hear Kaori whispering my name as she tries to gently awaken me. I opened my eyes and leaned towards her to return the kiss before saying good morning. I felt better than the evening before, but still rather weak. Rika came in pushing a cart with presumably (she had the same white hat as Kira and Rika) Kairi on top, who was clutching her bottom in obvious discomfort. "Be right with you folks, gotta sort out Kairi first. Honestly, my sister and her habit of ironic punishment.. tsk!" After some activity behind a curtain, which involved some pained moans and unladylike noises, Rika stepped out and deposited something in a septic container along with used gloves.

She then told Kaori to go see Mei-Mei, saying I'd keep right enough. When we were alone (aside from Kairi, who was snoring now) she performed a few routine checkup exercises. "You're doing fine, but sis was right about your body still recovering... Not too surprising, considering you had a hole in your chest my hand would fit through. Healing magic stops people from dying, but it can't do everything." She hopped down and pulled a clipboard from below the bed. "That's why you also need to avoid having sex for the moment, not an easy thing with so many innocent cuties around, eh?" She gave me a wink that had enough sauce for ten hamburgers. "Not that you need to worry about me, mind. I'm happily married, as is sis and Kairi's dating steady with a boy about her age." She gave a grim smile. "Funny thing, really.. You join Sabbath for the youthful good looks or because you're unhappy with what nature dealt you.." she cupped her hands a little in front of her chest. "But living centuries longer than you thought is something you need to get used to."

She bade me rest and so I did. Kaori came back later, accompanied by mrs. Marietta and Samm the guardsman who were both happy and thankful. "Son, ya focus on getting better ya hear? Marietta and the other folks who were drained are recovering well.. as ya can see by our town's beauty." Marietta blushed a bit at that. "Now Samm, you shouldn't tease and old lady you know." And she swatted his behind. A round of laughter later they departed and Kaori and I were alone again. "They better now, but still pretty hurt. Doctor says you recovering nice-ey, but I want to ask of you: are you feeling better?" I nodded and answered. "Better than yesterday and glad to be with you... How was your morning?" It turns out Mei-Mei had needed some help with sending a report to their mutual friend Mihime. She'd apparently been bowled over by what Kaori and Mei-Mei told her, but recovered quickly. When she'd asked Kaori about me, Mei-Mei had done most of the talking as Kaori had spent most of the time blushing.

"Haskashin. I not able to say what I want to say, they share laugh at that. Then Mihime Ryu-sama call in Oba-chan and Oji-chan. Damast-koishi, they proud of us. And..." She twiddled her thumbs, as if still a little embarrassed. "They want to meet you." I smiled at that. "And I would love to meet them of course. But Kaori, for now I just want to spend time with you... You told me so many things about yourself... I'd like to know even more about you, but first I'd like to tell you a bit more about where I came from." She nodded and flashed a smile. "I told you, I grew up in Littlebrook, it's a small town where a lot of orphans live and are cared for by the community.. My parents used to work there, until mom caught a fever and died. Dad tried his best, but without mom he lost himself. He left me with the other orphans and signed on with a mercenary company. They brought him home to be buried next to mom later that year." She squeezed my hand at that and looked sympathetically at me.

"I grew up an orphan, but not without friends though none of my age. I'd thought of working for the orphanage and staying there all my life, until Walt showed up. He brought toys for the little kids and base necessities to the adults. I talked with him for a bit he told me of his life as a wandering peddler, about all the wonderful things he had seen." I shook my head and laughed. "That's when the travel bug bit me. He noticed what an impact he'd made on me and made me an offer... To travel with him and learn his trade, in return for helping him carry more stock. We traveled together for a couple of years, but then he fell in love with this Natasha. I met her but once, recently, but she seemed like a good if shy foil to exuberant old Walt." I pulled Kaori closer and whispered. "Shortly after that I was going about my business, when an unexpected request led me to discover a treasure beyond measure..." I knew she understood what I meant as a grin spread across her face.

"Oh you, make me blush again!" And she did. "But many orphans in town? Seems sad so many not have parents like us." I nodded and shrugged. "It's sad yes, but on the other hand you're not alone. Orphans tend to stick together and form a family of sorts if they stay together long enough." I ran a hand through my hair. "My tale's not as spectacular as you might have hoped.. No evil overlords, no saving princesses from bi-curious Dragons, not even as much as being an outcast. Yet still something I wanted to share." She leaned forward and kissed me on the nose. "I glad you tell me. But I have to tell as well. I tell you Kaori and Okasan both youkai, you know which kind?" She asked with a finger next to her left ear and her tail curling into my field of vision. I honestly answered I had no idea, I'd met a fair few kinds during my travels, but no-one like her.

"Youkai like I, they called Gyoubu Danuki. We not as strong as say Oni, but I can lift pack easy and you easy maybe. Danuki good at magic, for disguise and other things, and at running shop. Like other youkai, we erh... we want husband, heap much. If Danuki fall in love, they not stop till win man's heart or die brokenhearted." She grabbed her tail and held it in front of her face. "Haskashin, but Danuki not well liked by ningen for that. Danuki in love do anything to get her man. Force him and town into debt, scare away other youkai and ningen women, pester friends and family to approve marriage and encourage dating. Kaori not want that, so am happy Damast like Kaori. If you said not then Kaori go away to die." I grabbed her shoulders and gave a low growl. "You're not getting away." And gave her a wink with a smile. "I know.." She grabbed my shirt and held it tightly.

"But I need tell you this. I say Danuki want husband, but not good enough word to describe. Danuki in love is on fire, so much passion..." She blushed deeply, being this close to her I again smelled cinnamon vapor. "Kaori, that's a nice perfume you're wearing... I didn't know cinnamon could be made into a perfume." She squealed and scooted back a bit. "Damast, I sorry, but body make smell. I use spell to make passion less burning, but it waft off in smell. You not yet can canoodle as doctor say. Ohhh... Sore wa hazukashidesu... I so embarrassed, please be forgiving." I reached over and pulled her close. "Don't be embarrassed, I like your smell... And I do know mamono well enough to know how hard waiting must be for you... But I want to spend the rest of my life with you Kaori, so don't worry." She blushed even more fiercely, then suddenly grabbed my hand and pressed it onto her chest so that softness enveloped me even through her silk outfit. "You make heart pound when say that..." She smiled. "I not have heap large oppai, but you like?" I kissed her in reply.

The next few days passed by in a blur. I was tottering on rubbery legs for a day but soon I was walking again. The complex in which we were staying as guests was close to Tallfort, but hidden from view by the mountain in which it was partially built. Balase approached Kaori and I when we were looking at the town from a concealed window. "Good to see you're walking again Damast." She wore an outfit you'd not expect on a Baphomet... A comfy, patched sweater with loose pants that reached almost to the floor. "Kira and Rika say you're about as good as new, you just need a bit of exercise to get your muscles into gear. And you Kaori, I commend you on your restraint foremost, but also for your help around the old place." A melancholy smile spread across her face. "The folks from Tallfort have mostly left, though they said they wouldn't be going back there... I didn't grow up there you see... But I met Aria, a Lilim who had, and..." She motioned her large paw along her body, horn to toe "Let's say we had a good time for a bit".

"Not that I regret it, mind. Being young bodied is awesome, even at my age..." She sighed and gave a shake of her head. "Still, I'm not as I used to be, seven centuries ago I'd have had those boobies off'a you and him up your snatch on day one. And damn the consequences." She giggled as we blushed. "That's why my chapter's known as Granny's Sabbath. We tend to gather those who have matured in mind to some degree, as tutors for new recruits. So I guess you could say we are kind of a college for the magical arts. Those who want to act all kiddy drift off to other chapters, but with a decent book of spells. Years later, some come back when the charm of lollipop lane wears off." She twiddled one of her short braids. "Still, I'm old enough to listen to my inner kid at times and that's why I would extend the offer for both of you to consider this place as a friendly one... Maybe you'd even like to join Sabbath?"

We thanked her for her hospitality, but one glance and we both turned down the other part of the offer. "I not wish to offend, but I like my body as is." I concurred of course. "Well, you win some, you lose some I guess. Speaking of which, that Marietta's mentioned that she and you two are expected at a wedding in less then a week. You mind if me and some of the girls tag along?" I was a bit surprised at the note of longing. "We'd be honored and I'm sure Mari and Desmond won't mind, but it's not a state wedding or something, so please don't get your expectations up." She nodded thanks, but with a hint of sadness in her eye. "I'm sorry to impose upon you, but I kind of like weddings... Mine was lovely, but so long ago... I still miss my husband, but not even turning into an incubus could save him from one crazed idiot with a knife..." She turned away and excused herself in a tear-choked voice.

"Youkai not have easy life... I understand a bit, she lose husband. I nearly lose you, same worry and pain." She'd taken to wrapping her tail around me when we were standing together, but she now pulled me along. "We maybe try to find her new husband? Bah, not know enough men here in these lands to recommend one." The funny thing about her tail is that while it's fluffy and soft it's also a clear indicator of her mood. I was still picking things up, but the rigidity in it spoke of her determination. "We'll try Kaori." I said, as we went to the mess hall where dinner was served shortly after. It had been a bit of a shock seeing so many folks there, but once you got past the fact that they were magically kept young for the most part, it was as fun a gathering as you could hope. Some little witches did ask Kaori what she liked about having breasts and two of them even snuck up to touch her tail. "It's so fluffy! I want one" "Me too! Hey lady, can you give us tails?" Kaori shook her head and said that she couldn't give a real one. But she did allow them to play with it.

The next day we packed up our belongings and joined the unexpectedly large caravan and set off for the wedding. Much to my surprise some of the mamono from the mountains had also caught wind of the festivities and had brought things to liven up the party. Tia was there, with her husband sitting on her abdomen and a couple of Oni, two carrying a baby in addition to some kegs. So we set off, though I worried about the town's reaction to this small army of men and mamono. Kaori gave my hand a squeeze and said she'd use magic to warn Mari at the next stop.

Chapter 12. Wedding bells and farewells
The caravan made good progress through the mountain pass. Though it had been faster when Kaori and myself had gone through, the passing took a little less than two days. During that time Kaori and I met quite a few new people. Tia approached us swiftly, dragging her husband along. "Hey, you're a mamono too? Dang, and here I thought I could detect anyone of our kindey. Anyways, here's Grid, my dear husband." The young man stepped forward and shook our hands. "Name's Grid, as Tia mentioned, I'm a prospector for stone quarrying and I met my wife while trying to find some specific shade of marble." He told us of his work, how meeting Tia had changed his life and about he'd adapted to living out in the mountains instead of in the busy city. "Appreciate you giving her those potions, believe it or not. I love my wife and want to have a family with her, but with the party crowd we have as neighbours..." He spread his hands in frustration. "Not even her energies can cope with that, nor can I."

Then a couple of Oni sauntered over. "Grid, you tease! You know you love to party." The Red Oni said. "Now are these your hangover-curing saviors Tia. Introduce us, will you?" Tia nodded. "Kaori and Damast, meet Lai-Min and Mushii. They're pretty much the spokespeople of our mountain home." We shook their hands and I'm not kidding when I say Oni are strong. Even holding back most of their strength, their handshakes could have moored a ship. "Tia mentioned that you have just gotten a baby, congratulations. Has your sister also received her bundle of joy?" I asked her. "Teehee, of course." She slapped Mushii on the shoulder. Mushii looked a little embarassed, her blush showing through her blue skin."Sorry, I forgot that Oni siblings can have different colorations... Congratulations Mushii." The girls all laughed and Grid flashed me a rueful smile. "In case you're wondering, our munchkins are with their dad, thankfully he's gained a bit of strength since we first met him."

They shared a smile and bade us farewell, Tia and Grid walked along with us for a bit, then made a bee-line for some privacy. Samm then approached, his face finally free of the wounds the abomination had inflicted upon him. "Hey gal, son! Fine day to be alive, eh? Mariette's keen to get to the wedding, but I reckon she's also enjoying the trip." He looked a little worried. "I'm glad she's feeling better and looking herself again, but I'm a bit worried about her spending so much time with that Balase gal. Still, not all's bad on that front, I reckon she's taken to me a bit." I laughed at that and Kaori giggled. "You lucky, she no longer fear youkai, now much happier person. You take good care of her, but not hang on to bad teachings. I think she soured on them."

"Ahhh.. Yeah, about that, I still think some of the teachings are worthwhile. Ya know, I always reckoned sex in itself has no meaning if it's just for the sex itself. But gettin' hitched and sharing your bed with someone you love, that's a slice of all right I reckon. Still, a bit early to be thinking of that..." He blushed, showing the network of scars that still decorated his cheeks. "I'd better get back a'fore she starts sprouting hooves and horns or something, y'all take care now." By midday we'd had visits from several Sabbath members, including a girl with fox-like attributes. Kaori called her a Youko and warned me not to touch her two tails. The girl giggled and spoke to Kaori in her native tongue before running ahead and dragging back a kindly man with a slight paunch who apparently knew a lot about tailoring.

"My little darling tells me you two heroes are engaged and also merchants. I'm the chapter's premier clothes maker, and though I specialize in smaller sizes I'd like to take your measurements and make something as a thank you for cheering up Balase-chan." He took a roll-measure and in less time than you'd think it would take had finished measuring us up. "Okay, I'll let you know when I've got something." He said before heading to a small wagon ambling a long behind a donkey, his wife flashing us a grin before zooming off to talk with her friends. Many more folks came to see us during the passing, trading tales and betimes offering to set up a trade arrangement for goods at a later date.

When we finally made it past the pass and were trudging along the road when suddenly a shadow overhead dropped down and called out. "Damast?" It was Sasha, looking a bit perplexed. I called her over and introduced her to Kaori. "Sheesh, you lucky girl! The most eligible bachelor of the region and you've caught him. But seriously Damast, we're in trouble. Kaori here sent word to expect heap much guests, but you've brought several hundred folks.. I don't think the hall's big enough. Heck, our town's not big enough!" She gulped as Tia trundled by, Grid passed out on her abdomen, yet smiling. "How are we going to feed them all for that matter?" I explained that they'd be bringing things to add to the celebration. "Well, that's one problem sorted then, but we could still use some help setting up seats and moving the wedding gazebo. Can you recommend some folks? I told her that Balase was the de facto leader and thus might be better suited to help her wrangle up some volunteers."

After she left Kaori pulled on my sleeve. "Damast, that woman Inma, powerful lusty youkai. She have same kind magic as this Mari I talk to. How come you not taken by them?" I smiled and told her the truth. Mari and I had been instant friends, but neither of us had romantic feelings for the other. Sasha and Mildred had long since admitted feeling more for curvy women than men and lived happily together, sharing a man often, but not longing for one as a husband. She brightened considerably at that and her cinnamon scent wafted pleasantly along the breeze. Before the end of the day we arrived in the small, yet prosperous town. Sasha, Mildred, Daphne, Sunny, Jack, Berenice and Mari awaited us along with a few Sabbath members who had flown ahead to help with the preparations.

Mariette and Mari met in short order, Samm and I keeping others at a respectable distance while Kaori and the girls from the inn gossipped. Their reunion was tentative at first, but before long they were crying and hugging as if the years between them had melted away. Mari apologized for Desmond's absense, he had to pick up the priestess from the nearest river that connected to the sea. When he returned we were in for a big surprise. His face was beet-red and the priestess was a lot younger than I had expected. She had the usual adornments of a Sea-Bishop, but was still flat-chested and pouted grumpily. He was glad to meet his soon to be mother in law, but was a little embarrassed when he introduced the girl he'd brought along.

"Mari and Mariette, I would like to introduce you to someone important to me, though she's as much trouble as she's friendly. Please meet my half-sister Chloë." As it turns out she had only just been ordained as a noviate in the church of Poseidon, but upon hearing her brother was getting married she had done everything in her power to be the one to preside over the ceremony. Including breaking a senior noviate's arm and biting the Deacon's husband. Still she considered it all worth it, even the threat of suspension, just to be able to seal the deal between her brother and his beloved. When the time for the ceremony came I was wedged in the front row with Kaori, Mariette and Samm. Suffice to say that any wedding is spectacular, but seeing the bride extend her wings and lift the groom into the sky as they kissed definitely burned itself into our memory.

Some girls might have dragged their fiancee to Chloë as soon as she'd finished the ceremony for Mari and Desmond, but Kaori and I had decided to have our own ceremony in Lan-Feong. We were discussing our travel options when Balase approached us, but unexpectedly not alone. The mayor, mr. Stock was carrying her on his shoulder. "Hey, look who I found!" She cried out. "Job here's been kind enough to show me around town." She patted his balding pate affectionately before jumping off. "Could I impose upon you mr. Mayor to get me something sweet to drink?" As Job Stock wandered to the impromptu bar. "I didn't know, but it turns out my husband's idiot brother in the order had kids and Job is thus technically my grand-to-the-umpteenth nephew. Though I reckon he might be a bit more charmed by his auntie than the order'd approve." She giggled and we joined in.

"I couldn't help but overhear that you two are planning a trip to the far east... It's not exactly the best time of year to do so by boat, mind." She poked us both. "Or very considerate to leave Chloë with but one ceremony on her first day in official capacity as wedding minister. But Mei-Mei mentioned that your granny'd raise hell if she couldn't attend among other considerations... Oh thanks, Job!" Job had brought back four glasses of apple juice. "Hope you don't mind, but this juice was made from apples out of my orchard." As we drank I had to say the juice was actually very palatable, more so than most of the region's apples could provide. We all spoke our praise for it and Job beamed proudly, though he was then called away by an aide to calm an argument between the priestess and a certain couple who wanted to have an official ceremony but were a bit scary in her eyes. Kaori and I both exclaimed Tia and Grid and had a laughing fit.

"Well, Ushi-Oni are a bit intimidating if you've never met them. Still, if worse comes to worse Job can handle it himself, mayors are officially allowed y'know?" Balase shuffled a bit before continuing. "Urgh, it doesn't help that he smells so nice either... But what I wanted to tell you is that you could take a different, slightly faster route over land. It's not the most scenic route, aside from the architecture, but it should shave months off the trip." We were definitely interested and she knew it. "There's this city a ways away from here, called Grammaueld, you know it by any chance?" I nodded in surprise, that was where Walt and his wife lived and told her so. "Well, this might shock you, but Natasha's another friend of mine. Young perhaps, very reclusive and a bit anti-social, but undeniably a genius in the magical arts. She can help you pass through the Necropolis and into an underground portal chamber. The portal should deposit you a few miles from Lan-Feong." We looked amazed and thanked her.

"Don't mention it! Really, I want to thank you both for what you've done in bringing down that sealed one and it's host so a few directions are the least I can do. Not to mention letting us tag along... I'd have gone nuts in the old fort without meeting Job, now I actually feel as young as I look again." She blushed and grinned before continuing. "He's asked me if I'd like to stay a while and he also said something about enlarging the town so all the folks who came down the mountain could come live here... I don't know for sure yet, but it could be nice to see something other than rocks and drunken mamono passed out on them. Though the latter will stay the same either way." She rolled her eyes at that, before a younger Witch stepped up and whispered into her ear. "Mmhmm? Oh dear, sorry you two, I have to sort something out. Kairi apparently tried to get back at Kira and now I'm needed to extract a keg of all things." She scooted off, dragging the Witch along with her incredible strength.

Kaori gave me a look that spoke volumes, which I think mirrored my own expression. "Damast, I think we not go near there." She blushed and we embraced. "Shall we retire for evening? I am in mood and want you, no can wait even with spell." I kissed her and took her into my arms. The inn was deserted, save for the tailor who'd take our measurements. He saw us, wordlessly handed a package to Kaori and waved us goodnight. Feeling a more present need than the mystery of the tailor I took her to my old room and closed the door. That night, the world could have exploded and yet not mattered, for us only each other existed. Our gift of each others virginity proved precious beyond words.

Epilogue
We bade our farewells the next day, Mari and Desmond were leaving too, on their honeymoon. "I'm sorry we can't travel with you, but we're flying. Thanks for everything." Said Mari, before giving us a hug and a kiss, albeit a chaste one. Balase and the others waved us goodbye, though she held tightly onto Job's hand. We hoisted our packs and set off down the road to Grammaueld. "Damast-koishi, we going to have ceremony later, but we merge businesses now?" I nodded. "No sense in putting that off. What do you think of this name though? Trading Tales, the international company." She giggled and grabbed my arm as her tail affectionately curled around my waist. "I like it." And so we walked off into the distance where the sky kissed the ground....[/spoiler] THE END