Bound by the Red String of Fate (Trickster FanFic)

[KairaKi]

DISCLAIMER: This is not affiliated with the owners of Trickster. I do not own Trickster Online Revolution. No re-posting of this story allowed unless the Authoress is clearly stated. No plagiarizing.

Prologue: The Beginning. The End.


Something is happening on Caballa Island. Something horrible. Contestants are disappearing, monsters are overrunning the cities. And all the ships sailing out of Caballa have been sunk, and those coming have been lost at sea.

Don Cavalier had not taken into thought the spirits of the island, the dark ghosts that haunt the shores, into mind when he invited people around the world to participate in his game. And there is one angry spirit, who is not yet a spirit, wishing for the slavery of all the contestants, and the domination of the world.

With the Harkon jewel, and the magical powers sealed within it. This dark being begins its quest. Who will help save Caballa island? And the world?

Only the true Tricksters whom Don Cavalier had chose to seek out through his last masterpiece. Trickster.


The dreary cold hung about the ship in a deafening silence. People wandered on the deck, listless and tired. They had been at sea for three days and there was still no sight of the island. The captain was not worried, Caballa usually disappeared for days at a time, but the food supply was getting low, and the amount of sickness beginning to go around his ship was frightening. They would have to turn back if the island did not appear by the morning.

The captain's passengers where not normal, they did not mind floating at sea for days, and most of them had the body parts of an animal. They came from all over the world, from the deepest recess of the forests, to the hottest plains of the desert, and the coldest peaks of the mountains. These different races of beings had gathered to participate in one huge contest where the prize was the fortune of Master Cavalier himself.

There were few women aboard the ship, some of them were Cats, others were Bunnies, who came from the rocky hills below the mountains. A number of them were Foxes but only one was a Sheep. Men were more abundant on the large ship. There were a number of Bulls and Raccoons and a few Lions and Dragons but they shared the same features of ears and tails of their respective animals.

The mist rolled in cloaking everything in a veil of white. Slowly everyone began heading below deck, where it was sure to be warm. Only the Sheep was left on the lonely deck, she was gazing intently ahead of her, where a dark shape had begun to take form.

“Yo, aren't you going down?” A Bull asked as he headed below deck.

The Sheep shook her head, “No, I am used to the cold.”

The Bull gave her an odd look muttering to himself, he descended; leaving the Sheep alone on deck.

The ship lulled, gently, back and forth as the waves came crashing on it's side. The motion was sickening, but the Sheep refused to move. The island was here. “Ship Master,” she called out for the captain, “I see the island.” Her voice was small against the gales but the captain heard her.

“By the triton of Poseidon it's Caballa. Man your deck boys! We've got some hard sailin' to do before the seas get angry with rain!”

The pounding of footsteps above deck woke many of the passengers below. A gust of wind snook into the cabins, but was soon lost in the warmth the many bodies offered. The odd Sheep had finally come below deck.

“What's going on?” A Fox asked.

“They have spotted the island, but a storm is starting to brew.” The Sheep answered pulling down her cloak. Her pale face was lined with sweat; she could not stand the heat.

“The island? We will get to land?” The question came from an eager Lion.

“If the storm permits.” The Sheep answered.

“Hurrah!” The cheer rattle the deck as the sailors ran about preparing for a dangerous sail. The wind had erupted into a strong feisty thing, and was doing its best to rip out the sails. The waves began to grow, and soon all the sailors were drenching wet and freezing in the cold.

“GET SOME MAGES UP HERE!” The captain roared over the screams of the wind.

The group of Dragons huddled together in the corner looked up at the ceiling, a sailor came down, dripping water on to the wooden floor, “We need some mages to help keep the ship a float.” And he was gone.

The Sheep glanced over her shoulder at the Dragons, who nodded towards her. With a sigh, the odd Sheep headed up towards deck. Mean while, the non-magical creatures sat uneasily as they watched the procession of Dragons head up. Would they be lost at sea again?

The Dragons formed a circle at the base of the mast, protected from the wind and rain thanks to the Sheep. They stood there, for what seemed like eternity, doing nothing. But slowly the wind subsided, and the waves were less harsh, however the storm was not over yet. The sailors wasted no time in wrestling their ship towards the island. The Dragons had merely paused the storm, but it would be back; they had to hurry.

They were nearing the Coral Harbor when all hell broke loose. The small moment of peacefulness was lost as the screams of the wind got louder, and the waves larger. A giant wave nearly knocked the sailors and mages overboard.

The captain yelled over the wind giving orders to his men. Mean while the mages worked quickly to put together a shield to help protect the ship from another giant wave. The Sheep clapped her hands together in prayer the Dragons followed her lead.

“Oh! God of the Sea, the heavenly father of all oceanic creatures, of lovely gardens below our eyes, hear our prayers to you, as son of Mother Earth. Let us pass in peace; let your anger pass. We give you our prayers as token of our truths, let us be guarded by you, oh Father of our brothers of the sea.”

Her sweet voice rose on the screaming gales, it echoed on each crashing wave. The light that had enveloped the praying mages shattered and were carried off by a gently breeze and scattered over the ocean. They were safe in Coral Harbor

“Welcome to Caballa my fellow Tricksters! I hope you had fun at the training camp! I am Hunter Master, and I will be speaking with you today!” Hunter Master winked cheerfully at the rag tagged group that was her audience. “I trust that you are all familiar of the rules of this game? If not I will inform you again.

Your goal on this island is to collect eight legendary cards made of Harkon. You must be careful though because Harkon cards are just like regular cards, they look and feel like regular cards. You must have the intuition, or the technology to find out which cards that come into your possession are Harkon cards or not. Once you have all eight cards you must make a compass of Harkon, this will lead you to your next destination, the first one to complete this arduous task and reach the legendary Harkon jewel, and come back alive will receive Master Cavalier's fortune!” The Hunter Master smiled, “Go now Tricksters, and reap your fortunes!” With a snap of her fingers the passengers of the ship were transported to different starting points within Caballa.

“Let the games begin!”

And our story begins...


Chapter 1: Desert Joys, an Oasis of Hope

Megalopolis was a gleaming city located at the very center of Caballa, it was from there any traveler was be able to refuel their supplies and leave again for the wild that was the island. Many had thought that it was a simple contest, but that was hardly the case. There were monsters on the island. They had been there since before Don Cavalier had found their home, and continued to reside there as contestants poured in.

They were wild creatures but many were wary of the participants, and did not attack unless provoked. How ever some were very aggressive. If one was not careful, a monster could kill you. That was the harsh fact of the game; it was not just a game. It was a matter of life and death, if you wanted the prize enough you were bound to survive, but if your heart was not in it, then it was game over for you.

Hanako made her way through the desert, wary of her surroundings. The monsters of the desert region weren't that aggressive, but Hanako did not want to be caught off guard. She had seen the bodies of those who where stupid enough to let their guards down; it was a gruesome sight. Those bodies were mutilated beyond recognition and were left in the desert to bake into nothing. It was sickening.

Hanako was beginning to regret coming to the island. She had wanted a life away from the forest where she grew up, she wanted a life of adventure. But this wasn't exactly what she had in mind. Hanako was a forest Cat, she was used to the life of decent luxury, not one of hardships. Her usually shiny pink hair was thin and listless, her pale complexion was burnt and peeling. She wanted to leave, but the thought of what her sisters would say kept her on the island.

“Hahaha, not even a day! Hanako, you should stay home and marry that smelly old man!”
“You can't even wash the dishes! How are you going to survive on an island?”

“Hanako can't do anything right. She'll probably fall into a ravine!”

“She'll be dead, and we won't have to worry about her dowry anymore.”

“Hhahaa...”


It was those comments that fueled her fire. She was going to prove to her family that she did not need their mocking laughs or fake pity. She was going to be a star, and when she became famous they will regret all those cruel looks and snide comments! Hanako was not a quitter.

“Take that you freaky thing!” The cry woke Hanako up from her thoughts, a lone Bunny was fighting one of those Duck Moles. The Bunny was agile and moved with stunning gracefulness. With a final kick the Mole had fainted dead away. The Bunny dusted herself off and commenced gathering her goods.

All monsters held Galders, a gold found nearly everywhere on the island, no one knew exactly why the monsters carried it, but it made a good money system for the participants.

“Stupid thing thought it could take me on, hah! Never in a million years!”

Hanako found the Bunny quite adorable; she had short blue hair and a small stature of a child. The white bunny ears atop her head added to her cuteness. “Ano, Bunny-san, would you like to join my party?” Hanako asked, unafraid of the ruby-red eyes that were glaring up at her.

“Okay!” The cheerful agreement threw her off. Maybe the sun was getting too hot? “I'm Sayu, who are you?” The Bunny asked

“Hanako, nice to meet you....Sayu?”

Sayu smiled cheerily, “Yup, short for Sayuri, I hate that name.” The Bunny grinned as she looked at her new companion, “Little Lily, how sappy is that?”

Hanako smiled. The island might not be so bad after all.

*~~Trickster~~*

“Hitoshi-sama! Would you like to join our party?” A random Cat asked.

Hitoshi gave his fan girl a charming smile, “Gomen, but I have some things to do.” He winked.

“Kyaah!” The Cat fainted leaving her party members wondering what to do with the body of their delusional leader.

Hitoshi was a Raccoon, and as far as Raccoons went, he was very handsome, and very popular with the ladies on the island. Hitoshi passed a group of giggling women, who eyed him as he passed. Sometimes it was hard being so beautiful; relationships never lasted long.

He wandered down the square of Megalopolis, not feeling up to the idea of training on monsters, when a sweet smelling Sheep passed him. Sheep were nice, harder to charm than Cats and Foxes, and they hardly mixed with other societies beside their own. And as an added bonus: they were all so innocent looking. Hitoshi couldn't help but follow that sweet smelling Sheep.

The Sheep led him to the forest near the Poppuri Cave, as it was nicknamed for the shy beast that lived there. She was loitering near the mouth of the cave when Hitoshi decided to strike.

“Hey, I'm Hitoshi what brings you here?” Hitoshi asked flashing a toothy smile.

The Sheep cocked her head as she eyed him, her soft blue hair-- almost white in the sun-- fell slightly into her eyes, “I am Sakiko.” Her eyes were a deep azure blue, “Why are you here?”

“Well, I'm looking for a team to train in the cave.” Hitoshi answered.

“I see.” Sakiko eyed him again as if deciding whether he was worth her time or not.

“Do you want to---”

“Sakiko, is this man bothering you?” A cold, icy, voice asked.

Hitoshi glanced up at the newcomer, it was a Dragon. A very handsome one at that, with long deep blue hair and light gray eyes. For a moment Hitoshi nearly mistook the Dragon for a girl.

“Kioshi-san! No, not at all, he wants to train in the cave also. Shall we invite him?” Sakiko asked her companion.

“Kioshi! How mean! You just left me out of no where!”

Hitoshi took in the newcomer, a Fox this time, with dark purple hair and tawny yellow eyes.

“Nee-sama! You left me behind!” A Lion came to join the group.

“Don't whine Satoru!” The Fox scolded, “So are we going in?”

Kioshi motioned towards Hitoshi, “Sakiko wants this man to come also.”

Hitoshi felt like a bauble put up for examination. The way the Fox and Dragon were eyeing him made him feel completely useless.

“He looks useless.” The Fox said, as if confirming Hitoshi's thoughts. She pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose, “Can he even fight?”

The Dragon shrugged.

“Noriko-chan, we could use an addition to our party. Even if he can't fight.” Sakiko said softly, she smiled at her companions.

“Kyaah! Sakiko you're so cute! All right, if you want! You better not drag us down!” The last comment was directed at Hitoshi. He could see who was the leader in this group.

“Yay! Finally!” Satoru let out a big whoop, “Hurry up Kioshi-kun!”

The silent Dragon slipped into the cave after the cheerful Lion, carefully avoiding the moss that clung like drapes to the ceiling. Sakiko followed, waving for Hitoshi to come also. Noriko followed behind him, glaring at his back. This Fox was scary. Hitoshi had a feeling he shouldn't have followed Sakiko.

Chapter 2: Through the Eyes

For Hanako the days past fast with her new companion, Sayu. Sayu was a cheerful Bunny, easily distracted and a bit hot headed. She was the perfect companion for Hanako.

“Mou, Hana-chan, what do you think? We should get another member huh, it'll be more fun if we're a trio!” Sayu bounced around happily.

“I think most of these people would be scared off if you approach them with that kind of conviction.” Hanako answered with a smirk.

Sayu pouted, “C'mon, if it's just the two of us we aren't going to get much done. Let's find someone else!”

Hanako rolled her eyes, “Okay, okay, I get it, who do you want?”

Sayu looked at the people around her. “A Sheep would be nice, they can heal us, or a Dragon, but both of them are kinda hard to approach. Raccoons are kinda snotty, and Foxes are scary. What about a Bull?” Sayu asked pointing to a random Bull that caught her eyes.

“Fine.”

With a grin the energetic Bunny pounced in the direction of her pray. A lone Bull, who looked slightly intimidating.

Hanako shook her head and followed, woe begone Sayu's next prey.

*~Trickster~*

“Kioshi-san kawaii!” Sakiko giggled, she had done up the Dragon's hair in braids, much to his annoyance.

“Sakiko,” Kioshi said glaring playfully at the Sheep, still laughing Sakiko undid the braids.

“Hai, hai Kioshi-san. Are you going to meet your brothers?” Sakiko asked smoothing some creases on Kioshi's cloak.

“I believe so, but I doubt they will show up.” Kioshi answered.

“I'll go with you!”

Hitoshi sighed as he watched the conversation. Sakiko was as cute as ever, but that damn Kioshi ruined everything.

“Tch, you know you'll never get far with Sakiko.” Noriko smirked. The Fox seemed to have taken up a personal disliked against him.

“Onee-sama's right, Sakiko-nee-sama is already taken!” Satoru added. Satoru tended to pop out of now where.

Hitoshi gave the siblings a confused look, “By who?”

“Nee-sama, I owe you.” Satoru sighed reaching for his wallet.

Noriko gave a knowing smile, “Never doubt me little brother. I told you he wouldn't notice.” she said as Galders fell into her own purse.

“Sakiko-onee-sama is Kioshi-kun's fiancée.” Satoru said turning to the Raccoon. “We grew up near the mountains, and the Sheep Tribe use to make monthly trips to our village to cure the sick and gives us medicines. That's how Sakiko-onee-sama met us.”

“What does that have to do with Kioshi?” Hitoshi asked.

Noriko slammed her bag onto the ground, “Listen you, Sheep are a magic handling tribe. Meaning unlike the rest of us they only breed with other magic handling tribes, namely Dragons! And if you do anything to mess that up, believe me you'll regret it! Sakiko is happy with Kioshi, and Kioshi is happy with Sakiko. They got to choose each other and you better keep your pants zipped or you are going to face all hell gone loose!” Noriko snapped.

Hitoshi was left trembling in a corner as the Fox stalked away.

“Onee-sama is really touchy about that subject.” Satoru sighed, his tail wagged slightly, “She must really like you Hitoshi-san.”

“W-what part of her likes me?” Hitoshi muttered to himself watching the Lion wander off.

“Hitoshi-san are you all right? You look a little pale.” asked Sakiko, appearing by his side.

“I'm fine! Really!” Hitoshi gave a nervous laugh; he could feel Kioshi's fire-burning glare on the back of his head.

“Well, if you say so. Ah! If you see Noriko-chan tell her I'm with Kioshi, I don't want her to worry! Ja!” Sakiko waved good bye to the Raccoon, who was still facing the after math of Noriko's wrath.

“Sure will Sakiko-chan.” Hitoshi muttered to himself. “Sure will.”

*~Trickster~*

“Damn it I said no! Get it through your thick skull I already have a party!” The Bull yelled at the parasitic Bunny that had latched onto his arm.

“Then can we join you're party?” Sayu asked with wide, gleaming, red eyes.

Hanako rolled her eyes, she was maintaining a safe distance away from the two.

“No! Now leave me alone!” The Bull yelled again trying to pry Sayu off of him, the Bunny, however, was latched on tight.

“Isamu, what are you doing?”

“Kioshi! Save me!” Isamu cried, “This Bunny won't leave me alone!” As to show his friend what he meant, Isamu tried to pry Sayu off again, but the Bunny was stuck on tight. “Save me!”

Kioshi eyed the Bull, he could help, but he found it much more interesting to watch. “I'm going to look for Takeshi.” Kioshi said turning to leave.

Hanako's ear twitched.

“Kioshi!” Isamu clutched on to the edge of the Dragon's cloak, “You can't leave me with, with, with that thing!”

“Dragon-san!” Hanako said sidling up to the Dragon, “Would you like to join my party?” She asked flashing her cutest smile.

“What's the problem now Isamu?” Kioshi asked, ignoring the Cat.

“It's this Bunny! She won't leave me alone! She wants me to join her party!”

Kioshi eyed the Bunny that was latched onto Isamu's arm, he twitched, “I'm not touching that.”

“Kioshi!”

“Fine, where's that thing... Let's see...” Kioshi searched one of the two bags he was carrying, “Ah, here Bunny, fetch.” Kioshi threw a carrot in the opposite direction he was facing. There was a blur of blue, Sayu had caught the carrot and was nibbling it happily by the statue of Don Cavalier.

“K-Kioshi...” Isamu shuddered, “That was weird.”

Hanako shook her head at Sayu's display of childish ignorance. Really, that Bunny could be so dense at times.
Still shaking Isamu picked up his bag, “So, where's Takeshi?”

Kioshi shrugged.

“Kyaah! You're so cool!” Hanako pounced in front of her prey, her amber eyes wide with adoration, “Can we join your party?”

Kioshi could feel himself twitch, the Cat reached out to touch him but he was saved by Sakiko's sweet voice.

“Kioshi-san, Kioshi-san? Where are you?” Sakiko wandered towards the group carrying an array of bags. “Ah, Kioshi-san, I found Takeshi-san, but Isamu seems to have gone missing.”

“I'm right here Sakiko,” Isamu said raising a hand in greeting.

Silently Kioshi reached out to take the heavy loads from Sakiko, “We should leave soon. Noriko is prone to worry.”

“Kyaah! Kioshi! You've grown more cuter in our time apart!” Takeshi, Kioshi's older brother, cried appearing by Sakiko's side.

“We have only been separated a day Takeshi.” Kioshi said indifferently.

“Demo, demo, Kioshi! You never want to play with your nii-san!” Takeshi cried clutching his younger brothers cloak in a childish fashion.

“Takeshi, you're embarrassing us,” Isamu sighed, “Let's go, let's go. I'll be damned if Noriko blames me again.”

“Okay, but what about them?” Sakiko asked pointing to Hanako and Sayu (who was still nibbling her carrot.)

Kioshi and Isamu paled.

“Kyaah! Can we join your party? Sayu gets lonely with just me around!” Hanako said pushing the adorable Bunny forward.

“K-Kawaii!” Takeshi and Sakiko cried at the same time, “You can come!”

Kioshi felt like pounding his head with a hammer, another one, how annoying.

*~Trickster~*

Kioshi was leading the group through the forest towards where Noriko had set up camp. Sakiko was following closely behind him. The rest of the group were lagging a bit behind, not that Kioshi cared anyways.

“Kioshi-san,”

Kioshi loved Sakiko's voice, it was soft and musical, but sounded independent, not afflicted by the need to prove anything to anyone. “Nani?” He asked.

Kioshi never raised his voice to Sakiko, he never said anything cruel to her. With Sakiko he was playful with his words, more opening to the world around him. “Ah,” Sakiko looked behind her, Isamu was trudging along with Takeshi, the Cat and Bunny were following close behind, “Iie, I'll tell you later, Kioshi-san.” Kioshi looked back at Sakiko, who smiled cheerily up at him.

“Hai.”

*~Trickster~*

“Sakiko! I thought you and Kioshi had ran off together again!” Noriko cried hugging Sakiko to her bosom, “How could you leave me with that aggravating thing!” The Fox pointed at Hitoshi who was busy reading a book.

Sakiko smiled shyly, “What happened to Satoru?”

Noriko paused, “Well...”

BOOM

“He's caught up in one of his inane experiments again.”

The growing column of smoke in the corner of the camp came from a rather ragged tent. Satoru stumbled out grinning like an idiot.

“Takeshi-san!” The Lion cried running to greet the older Dragon.

“Enlightened(*Satoru's name means 'Enlightened One'* , my ass.” Noriko muttered, “So Sakiko-chan, who are these people you brought back? And what's up with that thing there?” Noriko asked, her last comment was directed at Isamu, who glared at the cunning Fox but chose not to make a retort.

Kioshi chose that moment to sweep in and rescue Sakiko from Noriko's steel like grip, “We have business to attend to.” Was his only explanation as he grabbed his brother and Isamu on his way out of the camp.

“Hey! You can't perform the ceremony without my being there!” Noriko yelled after the stoic Dragon.

“We are not of age yet Noriko, you will have no worries about my abducting Sakiko.” Kioshi replied back in a rare act of sarcasm.

“Kioshi-san!” Sakiko's protested, “Don't tell her that!”

Kioshi flashed the quiet Sheep a small smile and for the second time in her life Noriko was amazed by the difference in Kioshi when Sakiko was around. There was no way she would let anyone break the special bond the two mages shared, even if she had to sacrifice herself.

“Saa, Cat-chan, I see you're infatuated with Kioshi, let me tell you something...” Noriko grinned wickedly at Hanako who shrunk under the evil gaze.

Hitoshi was glad that he had gotten over his 'talk' with Noriko. He turned a page of his book, ignoring the inhumane screams coming from the other side of camp. It was not his business, he was not going to risk Noriko's wrath for anyone.

There was slight sigh from next to him. Hitoshi looked up from his book, Satoru was staring dreamily at the sky. That Lion had problems, serious ones, Hitoshi thought as he returned to his book.

“This'll be a fun night.” He heard Satoru comment blankly. For a Lion Satoru was unusually mellow. A flash of blue caught Hitoshi's gaze. The Bunny was busy chasing a butterfly, great; another one.

Chapter 3: A Short Interlude to the Beginning

Isamu sat atop a branch of a rather short tree, far enough to seem detached from the group of mages below him, but close enough to hear the words being exchanged. They were here for a reason, the four of them, and it wasn't for the prize money.

“Have any of you found any signs?” Kioshi asked, his question was directed at his brothers.

Takeshi, with a rare look of seriousness on his face, answered for both him and Isamu, “I don't think they've moved yet, but you can never be too sure. I think they're busy recruiting more followers.”

“Elder was right.” Sakiko whispered, “But I do not blame Master Cavalier for taking this island, but he could have at least employed some mages for a cleansing ceremony.” The Sheep touched the bark of the old tree, “This island has been here a good deal of time. There are scars of Man here from the Ancient's time.”

“I feel it too Sakiko-chan. I think every mage here feels it.” Takeshi answered with the same solemnity as Sakiko. Kioshi nodded.

Isamu sighed from his spot atop the tree, “'Even I can feel it.” He murmured, “It's strong.”

“It will grow Isamu. We have to be ready, who knows what they might do to employ it's powers.” Kioshi said quietly. “We have to stay ahead.”

Isamu jumped from his perch and walked away, but before disappearing completely from the trio's gaze he said, “I think they've already beat us in that aspect.”

Takeshi gave a wane smile, “I agree with our brother Kioshi. They have more eyes and ears than we do.” Takeshi turned to leave. His dark blue hair, the same shade as Kioshi's, shifted with the wind, and he disappeared.

Sakiko and Kioshi were left alone.

“Kioshi?” Sakiko looked up at the Dragon's face, she could see the lines of worry etched onto his forehead. Sakiko knew that Kioshi was a worry-wart, even more so than Noriko. But he was not one to voice his fears.

Suddenly, as if by impulse, Kioshi threw his arms around Sakiko, holding her in a warm embrace. Sakiko closed her eyes, she wrapped her arms around Kioshi too. They stood there, holding each other, relishing each others touch, in silence. There were no words to communicate the gratitude, the love, they held for each other.

By the time the two returned to camp the sun was beginning to set, and Isamu was long gone. He would, under no circumstances, stay a night at a camp where Noriko reigned. Takeshi, however, was drawn into one of Satoru's new experiments and could be seen assisting with the various explosions in the ragged tent that inhabited the lower corner of their camp.

“Welcome back, lovebirds.” Noriko greeted, glaring at Kioshi (she would never blame Sakiko for anything).

“Noriko,” Kioshi greeted back with indifference.

“Noriko-chan, I have some fruit we gathered in the forest.” Sakiko said shyly holding up a bundle of ripe pears.

Noriko's features soften, smilingly she told Sakiko, “You're the only sane one here. The rest of them,” She thumbed a finger at the group behind her, “are all in need of mental assistance.”

*~Trickster~*


“It's almost time.” The voice, gentle and soft, and barely audible over the crackling fire, said. “Almost time.”

“What are you going to do with 'them'” Another voice spat in anger, they said the word 'them' as if the word was a curse. “Kill them? If so grant upon me the honor of disposing those filthy turn-coats.”

A log split, sending out sparks and a harsh cracking sound.

“The child is of importance.” The voice whispered, “Do not anger me.”

The air was heavy with betrayal.

“Yes, Master.” A shadow bowed over the fire, “As you wish.”

The voice spoke again after observing the fire, “We shall begin now. It is time.”

*~Trickster~*

Sakiko woke up feeling cold, though the air inside her tent was anything but. Her body was tense as she searched her surroundings with her magic; she found nothing out of place, but there was something utterly wrong with what she was feeling.

Slowly she tried to sit up, but she found herself bound to her bed by something invisible. Panic rushed through her body as she struggled to sit up. Her body felt so heavy, and she felt so tired... What was wrong?

“Sakiko!”

She could hear the flap of her tent being opened, and the soft padding of feet as someone neared her room, “Sakiko!” The voice sounded so urgent, but why?

Fog clouded her mind, Sakiko tried to struggle out of her stupor, but it held on tight. “Kioshi...”

“Sakiko, hold on, listen to me Sakiko, don't you dare fall asleep on me now. Keep your eyes open, relax your body, I'm going to weave a protection spell.” Kioshi's voice was urgent, but calm. Sakiko nodded. Slowly, fearfully, she relaxed herself. She could feel the force push down on her trying to crush her. Her eyes fluttered, trying to stay open, but was slowly drifting together. Suddenly, as if a swift west wind flitted past, the force was lifted, and she could breath once again.

Gasping Sakiko tumbled out of her bed, blindly reaching out for Kioshi, “They're moving. They're moving. Oh Elders they're on the move.”

Kioshi held her shaking frame, his face grim, “I know, Sakiko, I know. I saw it too.”

Sakiko bit her lip, her small hands trembling as she clutched at her fiancé's cloak, “What are we going to do? They've been moving a lot faster than we have. We can't beat them, not with the amount of,” Sakiko paused and took a short shaky breath, “We can't do this with just us Kioshi, we have to drag others in with us. We aren't strong enough to do this alone. They will take us down one by one, using that same force they used on me. I tried breaking it, but it was strong, they have so may mages under their spell. I couldn't break through... Even you had trouble, Kioshi!” Sakiko cried fighting back the despair that haunted her.

Kioshi wrapped his arms around the frighten Sheep, “Hush, Sakiko. I am alright, you are safe. That is all that matters for now. That spell was layered, a weaving upon another, they were working on it since, maybe, early dusk, and they still weren't finish when I broke it. They may have more power but they need time. Something we have on our side and we can use to our advantage. Hush now, I will sleep with you tonight.”

*~Trickster~*

Normally Noriko was a late riser, but that particular night had woken something in her that would not allow another three hour's worth of rest. So as the sun rose, Noriko snook out of her tent that she shared with her younger brother, and prepared for a long morning. That was until she noticed Kioshi slinking out of Sakiko's tent, looking as though he spent the night there.

Normally Noriko would not have seen the Dragon sneaking out of her dear friend's tent. Normally Noriko would have screamed her lungs out at him. Normally Noriko would have dismembered any man who dared make a move on the shy Sheep. However, that morning was not like any other morning. Seeing Kioshi sneak out of Sakiko's tent only brought her a wave of sorrow.

Things were changing. Times were changing, she could feel it.

Chapter 4: Pain Before Pleasure

Despite her outward childish appearance, Sayu was by no means a dunce. Her mind was as quick and as agile as her movements when fighting. So that morning when she exited her small tent, a cheerful smile plastered on her round face, the childish Bunny noticed a change in the air around the campsite. The only other person that seemed unaffected by the impending doom hanging over the fire was Satoru.

The Lion remained cheerful, and clueless, as he watched the clouds in the sky move slowly towards the rising sun. It was when he turned to smile at her that she notice he was the only one there. The rest of their party members had disappeared.

“So, where is everyone?” Sayu asked plopping down by the fire.

“Ah, Hitoshi-san went off with Hanako-san a while ago. Onee-sama and Takeshi-kun left a few moments ago with Isamu-san, and Kioshi-kun and Sakiko-nee-sama went somewhere together early this morning.” Satoru answered passively, “We're the only ones here as of now.”

“Ah.”

And everything was quiet save the occasional crackle of the fire and the call of birds. Sayu was the one to break the silence, “I'm hungry.”

This comment was followed by a growl of hunger from Satoru, he patted his stomach and replied, “Me too.”
And the two looked at each other, both wondering what the other would do.

*~Trickster~*

“Isamu let go of me! You better let go of me right now or I'm going to stuff a throwing knife up your ass!” Noriko screeched thrashing wildly about. Isamu grunted shifting his weight again to keep the Fox from falling.

“You're not going to hurt me that way.” Isamu said.

“He's right Noriko, be a good girl and be quiet. We don't want to be follow.” Takeshi smiled cheerfully, but his eyes were hard and cold as he looked at the Fox.

Noriko flattened her ears and hissed, glaring back at the Dragon.

Takeshi waved his staff around the air twice, dispelling the illusion Kioshi had put up to make sure no wandering passerby stumbled onto them.

He motioned for Isamu to continue on as he replaced the illusion, with a few added precautions.

“Just where are you taking me?” Noriko demanded after a lengthy silence.

There was no response from Isamu.

“Hey are you listening to me?” The Fox asked annoyed.

There was still no response. Tired of being carried around like a sack of grain Noriko started to kick again, hoping to hit a very sensitive spot, but found herself being transported from the shoulder into very capable arms.

“What do you thi--” Noriko blushed as Isamu put a finger to her lips to stop her from speaking.

“Quiet, we're being followed.” Suddenly Isamu ducked into a hollow of a nearby tree where he gently placed Noriko down, “Stay here don't move, don't do anything, unless you want to die.”

Numbly Noriko nodded. Isamu dashed again, back to where they were standing before, and looked around. The battle lasted only five seconds.

Three bodies lied unconscious on the ground with Isamu standing in the middle of them. Roughly he turned one of the bodies over and she could see, with sickening horror, that they were dead. Isamu patted down each of the bodies to be sure that nothing useful was overlooked.

He came back to Noriko, his face grim, “Sorry you had to see that.” He muttered.

“Y-you killed them!” The normally fiery Fox was stiff with fear.

“It was us or them!” Isamu argued back, “If I hadn't killed them they would have healed themselves and kept attacking us, and frankly I rather not waste my strength with them when we have much more important things to do.”

He reached out towards Noriko, who screamed and backed away from the Bull. Isamu winced and backed away. “Noriko listen to me, we have to reach the others fast, there could be more of them around here, Noriko!”

The Fox shook her head unwilling to touch the hands that killed those innocent people.

Isamu sighed and turned around, “Fine, if that's what you want. I told Sakiko and Kioshi not to bring you, but they were insistent on it. You,” his eyes narrowed as he turned around to glare at her, “Are nothing but a weak minded Fox, all bark and no bite.” He turned to leave but Noriko caught his hand.

“What do you mean Sakiko and Kioshi insisted? And I am not all bark no bite!”

*~Trickster~*

“Sakiko, sit.” The command was light, and tired with a hint of exasperation.

“Kioshi-san!” Sakiko cried flying into the arms of her fiancée, “What is taking Isamu so long? Did they get attacked? What about Takeshi? Is your brother all right?”

Kioshi stroked the soft blue head, “They are coming up the path as we speak, do not worry. Now sit. Your pacing disturbs me.”

With a rueful smile Sakiko perched on the edge of a fallen tree, farthest from the fire and nearest to the path.

“Kioshi-kun is lucky to have a doleful loving fiancée.” A fellow Dragon commented with a smile, “She is good for you, being stubborn and loving, yet so sweet and shy, and demure, we all know of the fiery soul that lives within that light body. There is no woman without the ray of love that is a ladylike and pleasurable as you, my sister.”

Sakiko's eyes glinted in the fire light, “I thank you ,my brother, for you are kind, but if you do not watch your praise, then your own love will cease to shine the ray of love on you.” The Dragon colored, glancing a look at a silver haired Sheep.

“Cruel words in sweet mellows, love makes beauty of a greater kind. I love no other than you, Hiromi.” The Dragon gave an exaggerated bow towards the silver hair Sheep.

Hiromi smiled in the wistful way only Sheep could, “I suppose I should thank you, Akihiro.” Hiromi gave an exaggerated curtsy in turn.

“Enough of your foolishness! Sakiko-dono, tell the two love-birds to silence, I cannot scry with their inane ramblings going on in the background.” The youngest member of their group, Chie, scowled, her soft violet hair pulled into worried pigtails.

Sakiko gave a wry smile, “Their love is as loud and as obnoxious as they. You too will find your Ai soon.”

Chie pouted, “If I could scry my own paths then I should need not wait.”

Sakiko giggled, “If you could scry your own path, then what good would you be if you were always looking for a man of that description?”

Chie gave a wisp of laughter, “You are right, and I am glad that I cannot scry my own paths.”

*~Trickster~*

Noriko stared openly at the Bull dragging her hand, “What do you mean that a dark evil has arose from the ghosts of Caballa's ancient past and is now trying to take over the world, while enslaving everyone on this island?” She demanded stumbling over a rock.

Isamu gently helped her up with another sigh, “Exactly what I mean. Mages were supposed to come purify the island before this drat competition started but they were killed. Instead another group took their place and 'purified' this island. The idiots at Megalo couldn't tell a curse from a wart if it whacked their fat arses back onto the swivel-y seats they spend their days in. Now, because of their stupid mistakes, everyone is endangered, and now we have to stop them and save the world. Merry Christmas.”

Noriko shook her head, her ears flattened over violet locks, “You can't be serious! And why do we have to save the world?”

Isamu turned suddenly, using her surprise against her, the stronger Bull pushed her against her tree, her wrist held tight against the rough bark, while Ismau's other hand held on tight to her opposite shoulder. His eyes flashed grey as he stared intently into her own yellow orbs.

His voice was soft and slightly soothing, if not for the pain rocketing down her wrist Noriko would have wondered if he was going to kiss her, “We live in a world where some of us are born with ears and a tail, and some are not. They are humans we are terrans. We are each born under a different category, so to speak. Cat, Lion, Fox, Bunny, Raccoon, Bull, Dragon, Sheep. However, it is safe to say that the strongest of all the categories are Dragons and Sheep because of the sheer destruction of, and with, nature, they can cause. Now think. Use your smart little Fox brain and picture this. War. Sheep and Dragons choosing sides and fighting against each other! Do you see how much destruction that would cause? I know you've seen Kioshi fight. I know you've seen Sakiko fight. Meld it all together! There's an evil beguiling Sheep and Dragons to fight for their horrible causes. They're gathering forces as we waste time here trying to convince you that we 'need' your help! This isn't the simple wars of Bunnies and Cats. This isn't the simple wars of Foxes and 'Coons. There has never been a war concerning Dragons and Sheep! Why do you think that! There have been skirmishes but not out right war!”

Noriko blinked, the feeling of another body pressed up against hers made her feel drowsy, “I understand,” and in her usual snarky way, “Now let go of me before I kill you.”

Isamu let her go with a cold silence.

“Hurry. We're late.”

Noriko rubbed her sore wrist and glared at the Bull she followed, her mind in turmoil over the newly gained information.

*~Trickster~*

“Takeshi!” Sakiko jumped to her feet, earning a frown from a very annoyed Kioshi. Chie was amazed at how kind the normally cold Dragon was when Sakiko was around. Normally Kioshi would stalk off to sulk after a minute in the Dramatic Duo's company; he probably didn't want Sakiko around Akihiro. “Where is Isamu?” She asked worriedly.

Kioshi appeared by his fiancé's side, offering his support. Chie sighed dreamily; she never expected Sakiko to go for the 'strong silent' type. Sakiko was so cheerful when she wasn't in front of strangers. The elder sheep always acted in front of her elders, making them believe her a shy girl, but Chie knew better. Sakiko was her care-taker, and Chie saw a side of the bipolar Sheep no one, save those closes to her, saw. Looking back into the past Chie thought it was rather... ironic, in a sappy romance-y sort of way. It was just like the smut Hiromi read...

“Chie-chan! Hurry and put water to boil and bring out my healers kit!” Sakiko's normally cheerful voice was laced with worry.

“Hai!” Chie called from the back room, rushing out she saw her care-taker setting a handsome Dragon on one of the patient's beds.

The Dragon groaned and opened his eyes, “Where am I?” He asked, his voice hoarse.

Sakiko bent over him, carefully cleaning his wounds, “You are at the Mountains. You were found at the edge of the Forest of our village.”

The Dragon nodded and closed his eyes, his lips drawn.

Chie came tumbling back with the requested items, “Sakiko-dono, will he be all right?”

Sakiko brushed a strand of light blue hair out of her eyes, she washed her hands again before pulling bottles out of her case. “He has a few bruised ribs, many cuts; only a few were deep, and a broken arm. I'm going to have to set that first before I heal anything else. Give him a cloth to bite.”

Chie did as she was told and got the spelled cloth out of a special draw to ward of bacteria. “Here bite onto this.” She said offering the white cloth to the Dragon. He took it without a word.

Sakiko had left the room to change out of her clothes and into frocks that better fitted the situation at hand.

“I'm going to set your arm so I can heal it without facing any complications. It will be painful, so bite onto that cloth and scream if you have too.” Sakiko's soft voice chided lightly as she set out to do her job.

Chie watched horrified and awe at the task. Sakiko set the arm in a deft motion, but the Dragon did not scream, nor did he seem to bite the offered white cloth. Immediately, to rebuttal the pain, Sakiko began healing the broken arm. Once that was done she began healing to more serious wounds before quickly healing the shallower cuts. The Dragon looked near perfection without the cuts, blood, and dirt littering his body.

Sakiko eyed the Dragon slowly before turning to Chie, “He's feverish. Get some snow in a bowl and use a towel to keep him cool. I will be back soon with some stew and dinner for us. No spells or charms can deflect a common cold or a fever stemming from that cause.”

Chie nodded and rushed out to gather fresh snow, carefully warming it so it wasn't ice cold, but cold enough to combat the Dragon's high body temperature. Blushing Chie carefully separated the snow into another bowl and warmed it so it was hot. Dipping a a clean cloth into it the younger Sheep began to clean off the sweat. With the cooler snow she wet a cloth and placed it over the sleeping Dragon's forehead.

“Thank you Chie-chan. You can rest now, I'll stay up and care for him. Your dinner is in the kitchen cooling.” Sakiko nodded smiling.

Chie smiled back, “Hai!” Chie left, but turned back for a moment to glance at her care-taker. Sakiko had propped the Dragon's head up onto her lap, a steaming bowl of stew next to her.

“Open your mouth, you must be starved. I have some stew for you, if you'd like.” Chie giggled, knowing full well that whether the patient wanted or not Sakiko was going to force feed them.

The Dragon open a grudging mouth.

Chie giggled again before bustling away...

“Why does it always snow?” Kioshi asked eyeing the falling white with distaste.

Sakiko smiled serenely, “We're in the mountains, the very top at that. What did you expect?”

Kioshi reached out his hand filling with snow, unceremoniously he dumped the snow onto the ground and pulled in his freezing hand, “Your hair reminds me of snow. Warmer without the bite.”

His cold hand tugged her warm thick braid...

The village Elder was a gloomy Dragon whose hair was a snowy white, he over saw the smaller detail of life in the village while is wife overlooked the larger aspects.

“Kioshi, Ryuu of the Light Clan, Sakiko, Nihon-Kamoshika of the Elements Clan you are hereby joined together until the time of the Seventh Moon when you will forever bonded together in the joys and hardships of marriage.”

“I am Kioshi, Ryuu of the Light Clan, and I bind myself to you, Sakiko, Nihon-Kamoshika of the Elements Clan.” Kioshi pricked his index finger, a drop of blood fell into a cup of wine.

“I am Sakiko, Nihon-Kamoshika of the Elements Clan, and I bind myself to you, Kioshi, Ryuu of the Light Clan.” Sakiko mimicked Kioshi's movements. A drop of blood fell into another cup of wine.

The two mages picked up the tainted libations and offered it the other. They each took a sip and kissed. A smoky rope materialized, bind their hands to each other, pulling them closer.

Chie wiped away a tear. Even though this was merely a binding ceremony the younger girl had not seen such a loving act before.

“I Chie, Nihon-Kamoshika of the Elements Clan, oversaw this binding. I give my blood to you to as a contract of what I have seen.”


“Chie-chan what did you see in your scrying bowl?” Sakiko asked her azure eyes fixed on her charge.

Chie glanced back at the clear, iced, surface of the bowl of water, “I saw...” A flicker around the fire told her that only Sakiko was paying attention to her words, “Your meeting, and your binding again.”

Sakiko's eyes glazed over in happy memory, the look past and the blue hair Sheep focused again, “My binding? What does that foretell for us? Perhaps...” Sakiko frowned and darted a look at Kioshi who was fighting away his doting brother. A smile came to her face.

Chie watched her care-taker, love and joy filled her breast. She knew now, she knew what it meant. Their Elder had told her what to sign to expect, and now that time had come.

[shippo1234321]

Wow~ I haven't read all of it yet but how long did you take to write that~

[emaku]

wow nice story...it goes off in a similar but a way different direction of the game story.. good job so far

[hueyple]

umm to lazy to read it right now
but it looks interesting
so i'll read it once i get a chance

[Lago]

" Something is happening on Caballa Island. Something horrible. Contestants are disappearing, monsters are overrunning the cities. And all the ships sailing out of Caballa have been sunk, and those coming have been lost at sea.

Don Cavalier had not taken into thought the spirits of the island, the dark ghosts that haunt the shores, into mind when he invited people around the world to participate in his game. And there is one angry spirit, who is not yet a spirit, wishing for the slavery of all the contestants, and the domination of the world. "

a.k.a MyShop. =/