The Boy With Eyes Like The Moon

[EmilyHuene]

[fancybox2]

​

JAPAN
No Existing Calendar Date

@EmilyHuene ; @KinkyPrawn [/fancybox2]

There was a time when the Earth was young and the gods walked among the planes. Spirits, angels, demons, all manner of creatures exited in the same place and fought for their own little piece of it. And who was caught in the middle but the poor human race? Gifted with no natural abilities at all they were force to make deals with these deities for weapons and protections. They made spells, enchanted weapons, and some even were given control over the very elements themselves. This is where the Kage clan came into existence.

On a large island that would one day be known as Japan, a family of desperate humans made a pact with a wolf spirit in the forests near their home. This being who called himself Ghost, granted power over the shadows in exchange for food and sacrifices. For only through worship did the gods get their power; the more followers who believed in them, the stronger their energies. The small family happily took on the Ghost's title and changed their name to honor Him, for Kage in Japanese meant Shadow.

A few generations passed until the Kage family had a newborn son, only...he was not natural. His hair was made of pure silver and his eyes were as bright and colorful as the moon in the sky. The family took the baby to the Ghost demon in the shrine behind their land and requested an explanation. The wolf had no part in the blessing, but he did share a tale with the loyal clan, for they told them this boy had a destiny. His life would one day change the world from it was. Though like all demons, he did not tell them it would not be for the better.

The boy was exceptionally gifted. He had a natural way of bending the shadows to his will and could even create copies of himself from his own shadow. He was a natural prodigy, and was held to a high standard in that he learned the virtue of life and to respect those who were not as strong as them, or as blessed in life as them.

For sixteen years their family had no incident, keeping to themselves and fending off lower demons and spirits that trespassed onto their lands. But on that fateful year, the boy's destiny would seek him out. For there was trouble brewing in the East and to deal with it, a certain human touch would be needed. And what better person would there be to help the heavenly army that a boy would could walk through walls?

 

[KinkyPrawn]

It was a time before time. Humanity was at its infancy and heaven and hell were in open war with each other. Hell's gates were opened and all manner of demonic creatures escaped onto earth. People were desperate and turned to whoever were willing to help. They made pacts that would condemn their souls to be able to survive on earth. It was lawless, dark and horrid. Heaven's legions dispatched their most trusted agents to help settle the earth. For eons they were winning, managing to quell hell's forces and keep humanity as safe as they could. But with heaven in open war with hell, their forces were stretched thin.

These agents, archangels, were the best warriors at heaven's disposal. They were nothing like the angels humans were familiar with. They were big, tough, cold. They were warriors of the highest calibre and their orders were to keep the world safe from hell. One day a child was born and it sent shockwaves through both heaven and hell. Everyone remembered the prophecy and both sides scattered to find this child. Hell was getting close, but heaven beat them to the punch.

A man was walking along a dirt road on an island in the far east. This land was strange. In some ways it was better than the west, but in others it was far, far worse. He was covered from head to toe in a black cloak and a straw hat rested on his head, sheltering him from the elements. But instead of a walking stick he was holding an enormous sword unlike anything seen on the island. While the blade was sheathed, the hilt and crossguards were fully visible. The sword itself reached all the way up to the man's neck, and the man himself wasn't all that short, towering over all the locals with a staggering 6'4". Along with his long blonde hair and soft blue eyes it was clear that he wasn't a local, though he spoke and wrote the language fluently.

He was walking through a thick bamboo forest along the road, seemingly not even aware of the world around him. A great bear was hiding in the shadows, but instead of fur it was coated in shadow. Its blood red eyes burned with hellfire and its roars were deep, dark and demonic. It lunged from the tree line and stormed the man. He didn't move until the creature was right on top of him. He side-stepped with inhumanly perfect grace and drew the massive sword. Its blade lit up with runes in a language unknown to the island that would one day be known as Hebrew. He swung the massive sword as if it was almost weightless and he cleaved right through the monster's neck with one strike as if it were butter. The creature collapsed and it disappeared in a puff of smoke, back to hell. The man made a cross over his chest with his left hand as his right hand rested the sword on his shoulder.

He sheathed the sword and picked up his straw hat, putting it back on his head after brushing some hair out of his face then continuing with his journey towards the home of the family known as 'Kage'.

 

[EmilyHuene]

Not but two steps further would the man take when the air would suddenly shift. A certain static would be felt as if lightning was right about to strike. Far in the shadows of the treelines, a woman would draw her bowstring back, charge the string and arrow with electricity, and then fire the magical arrow. The arrow flew with inhumane grace exactly where it had been intended, inches away from the man's face, before landing into the ground in front of him. It was a warning shot, but had he kept moving forward he very well could have walked right into its path and killed himself. But no angel would be that foolish.

"Hey!" the woman would call out. Moving from her position she jumped from the trees and landed in front of the man as the arrow fizzled away into nothing. "That was my prey!"

The woman who appeared before him was just a teenager, and by the looks of it a very mature one. She had long purple hair that was braided behind her head going all the way down her back as if it had never once been cut. Only her bangs were trimmed to keep them out of her face. She was wearing a traditional kimono style outfit that had protection charms woven into the straps that held it from unfolding. In her hands was a long and delicate longbow but there was no quiver of arrows on her person. It was evident she didn't need one based on the type of arrow she'd fired at him. Clearly it was a gift of some celestrial for humans could not perform magic on their own.

"What gives you the right to come here and take my kill? You owe me!" She would raise her bow and form another arrow of lighting in her gloved hand. "Pay up, or I'll kill you and take that sword of yours as payment." It was one hundred percent evident she didn't realize she was speaking to an angel.

 

[KinkyPrawn]

The man stopped abruptly as a strange arrow flew past him and hit the ground in front of him. He didn't even flinch at the shot, he simply turned his head and looked at the shooter from under his hat. She landed in front of him, yelling at him and accusing him of stealing their meal. The man frowned a little at her, both because she claimed that he owed her and also because of their choice of meal. How much were people suffering if they were forced to consume these abominations?

When she mentioned killing him and taking his sword he smiled in amusement. "Child, if you can lift this sword, let alone wield it, I'll gladly shake your hand." the amusement was clear in his voice. She knocked another arrow on her special bow, but the man simply lifted his left hand from under his cloak and held it up. The magical arrow disappeared and no matter how much she tried it wouldn't come back. "If it's food you want, I'll gladly help you. I can provide you with much better than that...monster." he looked her over. He was a giant compared to her. Given that someone his size wasn't all that common in this land he was impressed by her bravery.

"I just need your help. I am looking for the Kage family. Do you happen to know where they live?" his voice, although deep and powerful, was calm and surprisingly gentle. It was clear that he didn't mean any harm. He knew that the family was close by. But something told him that making conversation with this girl could be interesting. A welcome change from his mission.

 

[EmilyHuene]

The man would insult her, claiming she couldn't lift his sword. She took that rather harshly because she naturally assumed he was saying that because she was a woman. She knocked the arrow and raised it but then the lightning vanished in her hands. Gasping, she snapped her fingers trying to make another but to no use. The purple haired girl looked at this stranger in confusion and then lowered her bow with one hand and tried again to form the lightning. Somehow, he'd blocked her off completely. No mortal should have that kind of power.

He would then offer to provide food for her, but his information was incorrect. She wasn't planning on eating that demon. "I wasn't hunting him for food, you idiot! I was hired as security. I was supposed to bring back its head as proof of the kill and get paid for it. And now that's ruined."

The stranger would ask her then if she knew the Kage family, to which she leaned on her hip and put her right arm on her side. "Yeah, maybe I know. But it's going to cost you. First for the stolen bounty you took from me, and then for the info. Oh, and whatever you did to my Lightning. Bring that back to. Then I'll talk."

 

[KinkyPrawn]

The man breathed a slight sigh of relief as she told him it wasn't for food. "Oh thank goodness. I was starting to worry for this land if that was what you were reduced to." his casual voice stayed strong. She then told him that the assistance would cost him, words he did not take kindly at all. He lifted his head and looked down at the girl. His blue eyes turned to a bright, soft gold as he stared right through her. As his mouth opened sunlight shone brightly out of it. His voice thundered with the sound of thousands of people bellowing altogether. "Don't insult me with your greed, child!" a tremor shuddered through the earth under their feet as he spoke. He kept staring into her eyes with his inhuman gaze for a few seconds, then his eyes returned to normal and his gaze softened. The sun stopped shining from his mouth.

He snapped his fingers and the lightning bolt would appear in her hand once again, just like normal. "How's about I walk with you to speak with these people who hired you? I'm sure they will listen to me if I explain the case to them." he spoke calmly once again in his normal voice. The people will most certainly listen to him. Besides, how is it fair of him to rob this girl of her means of survival? As harsh as she is towards the man, she was still only human. They also deserved to make their own choices and overcome their own challenges.

"Unless of course you're fine with losing your bounty that easily? If you want to give up, I can gladly move on." his tone was clearly manipulative as he spoke to her. He shrugged his shoulders and walked past her, turning his body to not bump into her as he continued on his journey.

Waiting for her to call out to him...

 

[EmilyHuene]

When the girl tried to barter her fair compensation, the stranger would shake the very earth and boom at her with a terrifying voice. "My grace!" she gasped and dropped to her knees. Her head hung low, she held her bow out in front of her with both hands as if offering him tribute. "Forgive me! I did not realize I was in the presence of one of Heaven's warriors. Please forgive me ignorance!"

Responding to her groveling, he would snap his fingers and she felt a strange tingle going through her hand. She picked her head up then and looked at her fingers where tiny sparks were dancing between them. She shook her hand to make them go away, but smiled knowing her powers had been restored. The angel would then offer to her to walk her to her employers so he might explain her situation. She got up to her knees and was about to speak when he continued, teasing her and manipulating her to give up on her bounty.

Rushing to her feet the teen followed after him and strung her bow over her shoulder to set it to rest, "My grace, your charity is uncalled for. I would never ask you to worry yourself over my troubles. Please, allow me to assist in yours. It's only fair I atone for my rude manner of addressing you. Please, allow me to travel with you. I'll take you to the Kage clan, just as you asked. They live up the mountain. I...don't know where exactly, but I'm sure when we get close enough they'll find us."

She hoped that would be enough for him to allow her to be forgiven, but just in case she took a few steps to get in front of him and bowed to him from her hips, "My name is Aeryun Huene, my grace. Will you have me at your side?"

 

[KinkyPrawn]

The girl flew up from her knees and walked beside him, her tone changing drastically. He was a bit turned off by this but he brushed it aside. She explained that she would help him to find the people. He let her continue with her nervous rambling until she came to stand in front of him, giving a bow and introducing herself. The angel sighed with a small smile and took her by the arm, lifting her up and making sure she looked at him. "Please, none of that. There's no need for bowing, formal titles, special treatment and all that. Just...call me Michael." he motioned for her to follow and started walking once more.

"Now are you sure I don't have to go with you. I can gladly make a detour if your family requires that money. It won't be of any trouble." he extended the offer once again. He continued to walk along the path, making sure Aeryun followed. He was enjoying this girl's company. Humans were such a fascination, it was a nice change of pace from his constant warfare. "So miss Huene, Tell me about yourself. Are you an only child? Or do you have siblings annoying you back home?" he said with a smile, trying to make her feel more at ease and create some small talk as they walked. He knew the answers, of course. The perks of divine foresight, he knew about things long before they happened. But why shoot down the opportunity for conversation?

 

[EmilyHuene]

Aeryun looked up when the angel pulled her arm and asked her then to stop treating him so formally. It would feel wrong not to do so, for he was a servant of Heaven. But if that was his wish the young teen would obey. He then offered her his name and they were back to moving on their way. There weren't exactly roads, but a few major routes had dirt paths lied out. Mainly for horses and the like. This is the trail Aeryun would lead the angel down, or rather up, for awhile.

After moving on once more he would ask her if she was set on her declining his offer. He affirmed it would be no issue and she merely shook her head again; her hair flicked behind her as she did. "No thank you. Maybe when your mission is done we can focus on my problems. If you want to of course. But whatever business you have is clearly more important."

With their minds made up, Michael then switched to a different conversation, asking if she had any siblings. "I have an older brother. He's...kind of a bully. We don't get along very well." She gave him a smile implying it wasn't something she was really worried about. She'd lived her whole life dealing with him, he wasn't exactly going to change. Times were tough, and he felt the need to always fight back.

The path would turn into a curve that would inevitably fall back down the mountain now. There wasn't another way of going by horseback at this point unless the rider wished to travel the terrain very carefully. The path was marked by this essentially by a separate branch of the road as steps carved into the mountain. At the base of the steps was a little shrine with a wolf figurine carved into the top about the size of one's head. Aeryun swiveled her head in the direction upwards looking at all the steps they were about to take. Joy.

"Don't uh....assume you have wings do you?"

 

[KinkyPrawn]

Aeryun confirmed once again that her business wasn't as important as his and he wouldn't continue to press the matter. "Very well. Once my business is concluded we can see to yours." he said enthusiastically as they walked. She also explained the predicament about her brother who was treating her badly. Michael was rather put off by this. She gave him a reassuring smile and tried to make it seem like everything is okay, but he knew better. "I can gladly talk to him for you if you want. I'm sure you know he'll listen to me if I asked him to treat you better. Just because things are going a bit rough at home doesn't mean he can use it as an excuse to treat you harshly." his tone sincere. He might be on a divine mission but he still had to take care of the world wherever he found himself.

They reached the foot of the mountain. The trail was indeed rough and it wouldn't be short. What bothered him, however, was the figure of the wolf next to the trail. "So the stories are indeed true." he muttered to himself. So they were indeed being aided by the demon. This was going to be interesting...

He was snapped out of his thoughts by Aeryun asking him if he had wings. He chuckled and looked down at her. "What? A climb like that is really good exercise." he looked back at the mountain then to her. "Close your eyes. Tightly." he spoke a bit more seriously. He made sure that her eyes were covered before a blinding white light shone around him. When the light faded, a whole different figure stood next to Aeryun. His massive wings stretched out and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close against his armoured torso. His sword was hanging from his hip, but with the difference in size between this form and his human form, it looked like a normal longsword. A bright golden halo was hovering above his head.

He launched into the air, flying to the top of the mountain in less than a few minutes. When he reached the top he landed neatly, let go of Aeryun and a bright light shone from him again. When it cleared he was back to normal. "There we go." he said cheerfully, looking back at her.

 

[EmilyHuene]

Aeryun was thankful he allowed her to tag along, and even more so when he agreed to help her afterwards. Getting a fair pay would be ever so helpful for her family's budget. Food and the like was scarce, what with demons and the like running about feasting whenever they pleased. When he then offered to speak with her brother about his actions she quickly shook her head. She really didn't want her brother holding off any "divine intervention" over her head. She'd surely end up getting more of his negative attention on her that way.

Before she could make a remark about how climbing the mountain steps would not actually be a burden for her, the angel would ask her to close her eyes. She did so, squinting them shut as a light brighter than the sun itself came from his body. It ended soon after, but the girl was still worried about opening them. He hadn't told her to, and looking on his "true" angel body could have horrible effects on her. She didn't want to end up blind just because of her stupid human curiosity. So she kept them shut as he approached her and picked her up with his arms.

His body was...hard. Like, really hard. Armor? Metal? It felt like metal. She didn't dare look. It helped then when she felt them take off and the world falling away from her feet. She whined in fear and clung to him, not knowing what else to expect. Still her eyes were pressed together tightly but now it was mostly to save herself from looking down. Aeryun had no idea how far up they were and if she had a fear of heights or not. She'd never been up this high.

When they would start to descend she clung even harder and even until her feet were on the ground she was afraid to let go. She waited a moment, testing the waters so to speak to make sure the ground wouldn't give out under her before she then let go of his armored torso. Another bright light would shine causing her to turn her head and even shield her eyes. His voice would then assure her it was safe to look; Aeryun opened her eyes very slowly and blinked a few times while adjusting to the changes in the lighting.

The both of them were now in front of the large gate to the Kage clan's mansion. The building had two floors, but it was unclear how far back the manor was in terms of floorspace as the large wall covered most of the property. In front of the towering wooden doors were lit torches shining over similar wolf statues as were seen down below. For a second everything seemed quiet until the sounds of knives came flying through the air at them. With blinding speed they were sure to cut the two travels down. Aeryun barely had time to duck out of the way. If Michael did nothing, they'd stab him in his torso and his back simultaneously.

"State your business!" came a voice from behind them.

Aeryun, peeking around Michael's hips and cloak, would see a kid in a gray cloak with bright silver hair wearing a white and red fox mask. He was wearing gray and black clothing with several knives on his hips and legs. In front of Michael, and behind Aeyrun, two more in similar clothing would appear on top of the wall. One had gray hair and sleeveless armor, while the other had long black hair and sleeves. The one with gray hair appeared to have a sword on him, but the other man didn't seem to have any weapons at all.

 

[KinkyPrawn]

Michael watched as Aeryun carefully opened her eyes and got her footing. "Probably should have told you, but you can open up as soon as the light clears. Nothing will happen." he reassured her with a chuckle. They pressed on and in a few minutes they were standing in front of their gates. Michael looked up at the wolf figure above the gate with an annoyed frown. He pointed up at the figure. "That is getting annoying now. If he interferes there's going to be trouble." he spoke more to himself, but Aeryun would still be able to hear.

The whistling of throwing knives sang through the air. As Aeryun ducked, Michael's great sword appeared in his right hand in a flash of light. He swung the weapon with inhuman ease, shattering both knives in rapid succession. He took it in a reverse grip and planted the tip in the ground, watching their attackers with eagle eyes. With his tall, proud stature and neutral face it was clear this man was not in the least scared of the three warriors.

"I'm looking for the Kage family! My business is with them." he called out to the one who spoke to them. He looked down at Aeryun, making sure she was alright. His grip tightened around his sword's hilt, ready to block any more attacks these warriors had in store for them.

 

[EmilyHuene]

The one behind them would hold his hand out and a shadowy ball of a dark cloud would form and then mold together into a trio of knives. "Aye...you're looking at them. Speak your business."

Aeryun would peer around Michael as she stood up and shouted at the one behind the angel, "Lower your weapons! This man is doing Heaven's work!"

The three men would all chuckle. Then, the one who spoke would reach up with his free hand and slide the mask up over his face and rest it above his head. "We have no business with Heaven here. Demons live on this mountain. You'd best be on your way."

 

[KinkyPrawn]

The kid behind him spoke first and he tilted his head to give the kid a sidelong glare. In response to the knives appearing in the young man's hands, Michael's blade lit up with holy runes. If they tried anything again he wouldn't be sitting idle. Not that their knives would harm him all that much. Before it could escalate any further Aeryun intervened, trying to defend the Angel. As they laughed Michael laid a hand gently on her shoulder and he gave her a smile.

The three men tried to chase him away, but Michael paid them no heed. "You may not have business with Heaven but Heaven has business here. I'd suggest you listen to what I have to say otherwise I'll cleanse this entire mountain." he called out. His voice was calm, but the threat would not go unnoticed. The glowing runes on his blade would also make sure they knew that he was serious.

He turned to face the young man. "So what's it going to be?"

 

[EmilyHuene]

While the three of them new better than to cross paths with an angel, they were not backing down either. They had the power of a demon inside them. And demons were known to kill angels every now and then. "Well, what business is this exactly? Go on."

Before Michael could reply there was a low growling noise that echoed in everyone's minds. To Michael, he might recognize the demonic language. Aeryun however, did not. She put both hands to her head and slumped into Michael's chest in a pained groan. She did not like having this monster speaking to her. Where it was coming from remained to be seen, but it was powerful enough to broadcast into their heads.

ALLOW THE CHILD OF HEAVEN TO STAND BEFORE ME​

The voice pounded in the young girl's head and she whimpered for a second after it was gone. None of the three men seemed bothered by it however. It was almost like they were used to such an intrusion. As such, the one who'd taken off his mask would then let go of the knives and they faded away into smoke before hitting the ground. He then clapped his hands together with an excited smack.

"Well! You heard him boys and girls. Into the temple. Mush!"

The boy put his hands in the pockets and started to take a step forward when his body exploded into the same smoke as the weapons had. His body reappeared behind Aeryun -near the wall of the estate- where he continued walking inside. The two above them would drop down to the other side of the wall where they next appeared, also having removed their masks. Both of the other two ninjas looked similar to the kid with silver hair, so it was clear they were related. One was obviously the father, the one with the gray hair much like his son, while the other a brother of sorts who appeared to be a few years younger than the loud mouth teen.

"I don't know what business GHOST has with you but it must be good for Him to call you to his chambers. I'd ask that you leave your weapons behind, but you probably aren't going to listen to me."

The kid with the silver eyes would talk over his shoulder as he made his way to a larger temple like building within the estate's manor. He got up to the door which had all sorts of demonic runes painted onto it. They were perfect for hiding demons while also shielding them from holy spells and other magical attacks. As such, if Michael stepped foot inside, his angelic powers would be rendered mute.

"Just so you know," the kid continued, "If you try anything funny, anything at all, I will kill you. And you won't see it coming this time."

Giving the girl a smirk he then turned and opened the door into a void of pitch darkness.

 

[KinkyPrawn]

Before Michael could get a word in a voice erupted in his head. It spoke the language of demons but he understood it nonetheless. Aeryun didn't seem to take it as well and tried to hide away from it against him. He wrapped an arm around her and placed a hand over her head, using his power to block it out of her mind. He would not let another innocent soul be tainted by this demon.

He followed closely behind the group of ninjas, his free hand resting on Aeryun's shoulder to guide and comfort her. "Glad you know me so well already." he said with a chuckle. The boy was right. There was no chance that he would be leaving his weapon outside. His grip tightened on the greatsword as he walked. They reached the unholy temple and the boy gestured for them to enter while attempting to threaten the angel as well. "Boy, you couldn't hit the broadside of a barn door if you were standing in front of it." he said flatly as he walked into the void without skipping a beat. His left hand brought a wooden cross around his neck up to his mouth and he gave it a kiss. Even without his powers he would not be an easy kill.

He stood steady in the darkness, not a drop of fear coming off him. "Well hell-spawn here I am. Why did you ask for me?" he called out, though he was sure with all the darkness around him the demon might as well be standing right next to him.

 

[EmilyHuene]

Michael was a light that she didn't want to lose. The demonic language in her head sounded like grunts and groans, hisses and screeches. Aeryun whimpered slightly while trying to steel herself. She wanted to look tough, she was a warrior after all. But when dealing with supernatural demons and holy angels, how much confidence could she really have? Her angel on her shoulder would make a crack at the white haired kid who then held his hand to her heart.

With as much sarcasm as he could muster he replied, "Oh no. My pride. Oh. Oh it hurts. You wound me, Sir."

The two walked closer and closer to the unholy temple and when the doors were opened she took a step back and shook her head.

"Michael...I...can't. I can't go in there..."

Her cowardice was nothing to be ashamed up. Her spirits that gave her power were celestial. Going in there...it felt wrong. She couldn't do it. She watched Michael move further in while staying behind and running her fingers along the bowstring still over her shoulder. Aeryun watched the doors shut behind the angel leaving her alone with the three Kage clan men. Maybe staying out there wasn't the best idea either.

Brushing his hands off together the boy would then start to descend the stairs to stand next to the girl, "So, cutie. What's your name?"

"Aeryun. Huene." She kept her voice controlled, despite being very much afraid. She couldn't let him see her showing any weakness. He'd never respect her for it.

Inside, the room was filled with darkness. Then, torches would magically light along the long hall nearing the size of over one hundred yards. There was a raised stairwell just a few steps into the temple that brought Michael up to a very large mass of fur. Bones and leftover carcasses littered the floor. Two sets of eyes would open up, protruding red light in the mass of dark fur. The head would then move, showing another pair of eyes on the other side, giving the beats a total of fur eyes altogether. Coming out of the head were two long curved horns that came out of the head and then curved down to extend past the face. The beast would stand and roar, shaking the whole building in the wake. Michael would now see more of the large wolf, specifically the two tails behind the beast's back. He'd then also notice the fur seemed to be moving, flowing like smoke off of a extinguished fire into the darkness. After the howl, he'd lower his maw and growl at the angel.

I KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE CHILD. YOU COME FOR YOUR WIFE, AM I WRONG? I AM CURIOUS. WHY DO YOU COME TO DEMONS AND NOT YOUR OWN SIBLINGS? PERHAPS, YOU DO NOT WISH FOR THEM TO KNOW YOUR FOLLY?​