Chapter 1 – Demonic Encounter
In the quiet little village of Azula a fifteen year old blonde boy clad in a red tunic, white leggings, brown gauntlets, black boots and a blue twin tailed headband was dozing off in a hay pile near the local pasture when all of sudden there was a scream. The boy awoke with a startle and drowsily asked, “Eh? Who the hell was that? Was it Rachel?” Letting out a sigh, slapping himself awake and grabbing a Buster Blade the boy slipped the baldric over his chest while running towards a nearby forest. Once there a Knight Stalker, an old suit of armor possessed by an evil spirit, ambushed him and swung its sword at the lad. Quickly dodging the attack and unsheathing his double handed sword the boy parried and said, “Not so fast you old hunk of scrap metal! None shall kill Brandon, the son of Zachery and Krystal Hobstern! Now chew on this! Trom Bain!”
Brandon then swung his Buster Blade, a claymore type sword and his weapon of choice, back and bashed it down on the Knight Stalker. The possessed suit of armor shattered and a ghastly spirit floated away. Slinging his sword over his shoulder Brandon scoffed and said, “I guess ya couldn't handle my Trom Bain technique! Anyways...what the hell was I doing again?” He then heard another scream coming from the depths of the forest and resumed running towards the scream. Along the way Brandon thought to himself, “I really hope it isn't Rachel because I don't want anything bad happening to her...she is the one...I love the most...” Upon reaching the center of Sol Forest the lad saw a long haired auburn girl in a florescent and frilly green dress with a matching frilly lime green bonnet surrounded by a pack of Fenrirs, demonic wolves from Helwhorl.
“Rachel! You're not hurt are ya? Whatever the case don't worry! I'm here for you!” Brandon shouted as Rachel trembled and sunk to her knees, cringing in fear. “Oh please help me Bran-Bran! I'm too young and cute to die today!” Thirteen year old Rachel told Brandon as the fenrirs shifted their attention to the young swordsman. Clenching his Buster Blade claymore tightly in both hands Brandon proclaimed, “Oh don't worry Rae-Rae I'll protect you! Alright you hell hounds...Glamaíl Sracaire!” With lightning fast reflexes the lad dashed around his enemies and slashed all seven wolves, their blood spattering on the ground and Rachel. Startled by the sudden spritz of blood the young girl shrieked and started to cry. After Brandon killed the last fenrir he shook his blade clean, sheathed it and walked over to the crying Rachel.
Concerned about her Brandon knelt down beside Rachel and said, “Aw it's okay Rae-Rae. Those mean wolves won't hurt you because I killed them.” Calming down a bit and sniffling Rachel responded, “It's...it's not that...I'm just upset...because I'm covered in blood!” Brandon let out a chuckle, patted her head and replied, “Tee hee! Well I think you look rather cute with blood splattered on you! Anyways hold my hand and I'll take you safely back to Azula Village.” After blushing from his compliment Rachel took a hold of Brandon's hand and the two walked back to the entrance of Sol Forest. As they were walking Brandon sighed and asked Rachel, "Why were you out here again after I told you it's too dangerous?" Putting her thumb in her mouth Rachel replied, "I wanted to visit Beilorvus' Shrine and pray to her. I'm sorry Bran-Bran..."
Sighing again the blonde lad told the little lass, "Well next time tell me that you want to pray to Beilorvus okay Rachel? You know that without any weapons or even magic spells you're nothing more than a defenseless flower in a ruthless storm." Hurt a bit by his words Rachel started to cry again and Brandon quickly turned around to calm Rachel down by hugging her. "Shushie! It's alright Rae-Rae! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! Honestly!" Brandon said as Rachel calmed down again and sniffled in his chest. Sighing once more the young swordsman thought, "She may be quite the cutie but Rachel can be a tad bit too sensitive. Anyways I can't help but think that I'll be fighting more than just Fenrirs later on."
Once Rachel was calm the two friends continued towards Azula Village and upon arrival Mr. Cecilia, Rachel's father, came running to the two children. "Rachel darling! You're alive! Oh I was so worried about you!” Mr. Cecilia said as Rachel continued to suck her thumb nonchalantly and held Brandon's hand. Of course he did see that his daughter had blood on her face and torso and immediately yelled, “What the hell happened?! Why are you covered in blood?! Brandon me boy did you let my little girl get hurt by those damn Fenrirs of Sol Forest?!” Astonished by his temper Brandon quickly replied, “You've got it all wrong Mr. Cecilia! While it is true she was attacked by Fenrirs but the reason she has blood on her is because when I killed those hell hounds blood spattered on her!” Mr. Cecilia scoffed and said, “Oh well as long as it's not her own blood than I guess I can let it slide. Anyhow... you better come back to the house Rachel and clean yourself up. I made a delicious pot roast and I want to make sure my darling little angel gets all the nutrients she can get to be a healthy young woman.”
As little Rachel sucked her left thumb a thought popped into her head and she told her father, “Hey Daddy is it alright if we bring the pot roast over to the Hobsterns? I'd like to spend as much time as I can with Bran-Bran!” Hubert, Rachel's father, chuckled loudly, patted her head and said, “Oh alright Rachel we'll eat with the Hobsterns tonight. Hoo wee you sure do love that Hobstern boy don't ya Rachel?” Still sucking her thumb without a care in the world Rachel tighten her grip on Brandon's hand a bit and Brandon blushed. Ever since they were children Brandon adored Rachel and now that they're teenagers he plans on going steady with his childhood friend. After Hubert left for his and Rachel's house to get tonight's dinner Brandon remembered about his evening sword training with his grandfather Lucas and asked Rachel, “Hey Rachel? I forgot that I have sword training soon with Grandda and I was wondering if you don't mind just sitting around the training yard watching me train with him?”
Popping her thumb out of her mouth Rachel giggled and responded, “Sure I really don't mind Bran-Bran! The more you train the stronger you'll become so you can protect me!” Brandon chuckled and started to run hand in-hand with Rachel over to his house that was right next to Resonating Steel, the village armory. The Hobstern household was a two story house with a fencing yard where Lucas and Brandon trained in the art of sword fighting. Grandda Lucas, as young Brandon calls him, is a master of single handed swords and thus is swift on his feet for someone his age. Brandon on the other is training to be a Claymore Master, one who fights using swords that requires two hands. Once Rachel and Brandon reached the training yard a wooden pail came flying towards the little swordsman and bashed him in the head.
“Ow! What the hell did I do Grandda?!” Brandon asked as Lucas walked over to the two children with his trusty sword Faolchu slung over his right shoulder. “You're late that's why young man! How do you plan on becoming a Claymore Master if you're late for your lesson?!” Grandda Lucas told Brandon as the boy rubbed his forehead. Timid little Rachel started to worry for her friend and told Lucas, “Please don't be mean to Bran-Bran Papa Lucas! He was just saving me from a pack of savage Fenrirs okay?” Lucas chuckled wholeheartedly, patted Rachel on her head and replied, “Oh is that why? Well forgive me Brandon! I thought that scream from earlier sounded familiar!” Brandon scoffed, drew his Buster Blade and answered, “It's alright Grandda but let's hurry up and get this lesson over with! Rachel's dad is bringing over a pot roast to share with us Hobsterns!”
Grandda Lucas chuckled and said, “That sounds great! Very well then...for your first exercise show me your Trom Bain!” Brandon jumped over the fence separating the house from the training yard, swung his sword backwards and shouted, “Very well Grandda...Trom Bain!” The youth then slammed his blade downward, hoping to land a hit on his husky grandfather only to have him leap backwards and avoiding his grandson's attack. The force from Brandon's sword technique however collided with the ground and a dust cloud erupted, showing the might of young Brandon. Lucas pointed Faolchu at the youth and said, “Heh not bad my little bean sprout. Now show me your Sciobtha Chlaíomh!”
Letting out a chuckle Brandon dug his blade out of the dirt, sprinted towards Lucas and replied, “Okay Grandda! If ye wish it, it shall be granted! Sciobtha Chlaíomh!” He then let loose seven consecutive blows at his grandfather who in return repelled each slash with his own sword while little sparks flew off their weapons. Afterwards little Brandon was panting a bit and Rachel was shouting from the sidelines, “You can do it Bran-Bran! I believe in you!” Grandda Lucas brandished his sword and told Brandon, “The lesson is almost over little bean sprout and you're doing well! Next is the Chorráin Gealach technique!” Brandon's ears perked up upon hearing this and he gasped. Clenching his Buster Blade tightly Brandon asked, “Are ya sure Grandda? You want me to use that move?”
Confused by this little Rachel scratched her head and queried, “What's the matter Bran-Bran? Is there something wrong with using this Chew Rain Glacier attack?” Lucas chuckled and answered, “The Chorráin Gealach technique is basically a shockwave that requires the person to use a bit of their Spirit Energy. So to answer your question yes I want you to use that move Brandon! If you don't do it you won't pass today's lesson!” Gripping his blade tightly Brandon closed his eyes and said, “Alright Grandda I'll do it.” He then began focusing his mind and then began to resonating with a green aura. Rachel stared in awe and Grandda Lucas chortled in amusement. Brandon raised his sword above his head and shouted, “I won't hold back Grandda! Chorráin Gealach!”
Brandon then swung his sword down and a large green shockwave flew towards his grandfather. However the husky elder chuckled and repelled the shockwave with his sword Faolchu. “That was perfect my little bean sprout! Of course if you use more Spirit Energy the stronger your Chorráin Gealach will be. Alright for your last lesson...show me your Glamaíl Sracaire Brandon!” This time Brandon chuckled and said, “This will be a piece of cake! I used it to save little Rae-Rae earlier from those Fenrirs! Very well then...Glamaíl Sracaire!” With lightning fast reflexes the lad dashed around his grandfather and swung his sword nine times. Of course Lucas parried each swing with Faolchu and protected himself from being hurt. Once Brandon finished he sheathed his Buster Blade and asked, “Well Grandda...did I pass?”
Grandda Lucas also sheathed his blade in a scabbard on his belt and replied, “With flying colors my little bean sprout! Now then...where's that pot roast Mr. Cecilia said he was bringing over to share with us? I'm quite famished!” It was then that Rachel's father Hubert came walking up alongside his daughter with a covered silver platter and said, “Well that's great because I've just got done making the pot roast for us to share!” Brandon's ear perked up at this and replied, “Is that so? We better get it inside then!” Rachel sprang from the crate she was sitting on and added, “Alright then let's chow down!” Hubert, Lucas, Brandon and Rachel then proceeded to walk inside the Hobstern household to enjoy their meal for that evening as the moon rose up into the starry night sky.
Once inside Grandda Lucas and Brandon were greeted by the lad's parents Zachery and Krystal Hobstern who were just finishing putting the dinner table together. “Ah father! Little Brandon! Glad to see you two are done with sword practice! Oh and what do we have here? Young Rachel Cecilia and her father Hubert?” Zachery asked as Brandon greeted his father with a warm hug. Hubert chuckled and responded, “That's right Zachery little Rachel here suggested that we share our pot roast with you tonight.” Krystal walked over to give her son a hug as well and replied, “That sounds wonderful Hubert! It'll go great with our corn beef and cabbage stew! With that said...Brandon and Rachel! You two go wash up right this instant!” Brandon grunted in agreement and taking a hold of Rachel's hand the two children walked outside to wash up at the backyard washbasin.
As Brandon and Rachel were washing up their fathers were conversing with each other at the dinner table while Krystal was finishing up on the corn beef and cabbage stew. “Ya know Zachery my little Rachel really likes your son Brandon. Ha! I can't help but imagine them being inseparable!” Hubert told Zachery as he nodded his head and answered, “Well it's no secret that he likes her back because of how often they spend time together. Anyways thanks for tonight's dinner Hubert my dear friend! I bet it'll taste wonderful with our stew!” Lucas chuckled and retorted, “Oh it will laddie! With two succulent types of meat, the rich juice of the stew and the crisp taste of cabbage it'll be an eruption of flavors in your maw!”
Krystal then brought over the pot of stew to the dinner table and said, “Alright let me just go get Brandon and Rachel so we can eat.” The men nodded their heads and Krystal walked outside to retrieve the youngsters. As the two families were merrily eating an ominous shadow loomed over the house from a nearby hill. When the the moon peaked out from some clouds it was revealed to be a slim woman in a pitch black dress with ebony black hair and violet eyes. Raising her left hand in front of her the woman said, “I've finally found you...Avatar of Zailong! O tortured soul of long forgotten! Rise now and ravage those who stand before me! Answer now to your master Ruuki Dergin!”
Suddenly a rift from Helwhorl opened up behind Ruuki and spewed forth a Deathtooth that stampeded towards the Hobstern household. Brandon felt the demon's presence and shouted, “Oh crap I knew!” Before anyone had a chance to retaliate the Deathtooth, a creature with no eyes, black skin, large teeth and razor sharp claws, came smashing through the kitchen and snarled. Quickly unsheathing their blades Grandda Lucas yelled, “Zachery! Krystal! Hubert! Take little Rachel and run! Brandon and I shall handle this little nuisance!” Without notice the Deathtooth swiped Brandon with its claws and rammed Lucas with its head.
As Brandon and Lucas fell to the ground the Deathtooth snarled again and pounced Rachel and the adults. It knocked out both of Brandon's parents as well as Rachel and her father from pouncing on them and then proceeded to snatch up Rachel by her frilly green dress' collar. Brandon noticed this and quickly rose to his feet to slash the Deathtooth. Unfazed by this the demon scurried away by smashing through the dining room and scampered back to Ruuki. “Nnng...what does that Deathtooth want with Rachel? They're just mindless beasts and yet it seems....” Brandon asked as he wandered outside and saw Ruuki silhouetted by the darkness since the moon hid behind the clouds again.
Ruuki cackled and took the young auburn girl from the demon by clutching Rachel by her dress' collar with her left hand. “Well, well, well looks like the Avatar of Zailong is nothing more than a young flower. One whom has yet to bloom into a woman I might add. No matter....her soul radiates with the same Life Force Code as Zailong, God of Judgement! The time is nigh for my judgment to be cast upon you disgusting roaches who call yourselves humans!” Ruuki said as she raised her right hand near Rachel's face. Even though Brandon was at the foot of the hill he heard Ruuki's every word and brandished his Buster Blade. “Not while I'm around you're not ya hag...” Brandon said as he dashed up the hill.
While Brandon was running up the hill Ruuki's hand glowed a darkened violet and slowly began to extract Rachel's soul. Ruuki chuckled and said, “Yes....that's it...come to Auntie Ruuki....” However before the child's soul was removed from its body Brandon finally reached Ruuki and yelled, “Unhand my beloved Rachel you wench! Trom Bain!” He then swung his sword back and slammed it down towards Ruuki. Noticing his presence Ruuki flung the unconscious Rachel aside and nearly dodged the lad's sword technique with a mere scratch on her lower right leg. Landing in front of the Deathtooth she summoned Ruuki asked, “Who are you and why do you challenge the Supreme Necromancer Ruuki Dergin?!” As the dust from Brandon's attack cleared he answered, “My name is Brandon Hobstern! I'm the son of the Great Zealous Zachery and the Captivating Killer Krystal! Oh and just so ya know...you're not laying a single finger on my precious Rachel Cecilia!”
