The kaiju king, p.7
The Kaiju King, page 7
"You better come back with some incredible stories, Tokage. I'll be waiting."
The firelight bathed the scene in a warm glow, a testament to the bond that had formed between the three of them amid the mountains. Hikoko's wise gaze observed the exchange, her lips curling into a faint smile.
"You remind me of my son so much Tokage. It warmed this old woman’s heart to see someone like him," Hikoko's voice was tinged with both nostalgia and sadness.
"He was driven by a desire to make a difference, to explore the unknown, just like you, Tokage. And like Mei, he had a stubbornness about him, a determination that couldn't be swayed."
Tokage listened intently, a sense of connection forming between their stories. "Your son wasn’t a bad guy Hikoko. I am sorry for what happened to him and what happened to you."
Hikoko's eyes softened, her gaze distant as she recalled her memories.
As the night wore on and the fire gradually dimmed, the group sat in comfortable silence, their thoughts and emotions swirling in the air. The cabin felt like a haven, a place where bonds had been formed, and stories had been shared.
The next morning, the sun rose over the mountains, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Tokage stood outside the cabin, his bag packed and his heart heavy. Mei joined him, her expression a mix of sadness and support.
"Take care of yourself out there, Tokage. And promise me you'll come back," Mei said, her voice soft but earnest.
Tokage smiled, his eyes reflecting the determination that burned within him.
"I promise, Mei. I'll come back and tell you everything"
The door to the cabin swung wide open. A Giant furry beast walked out into the snow. It was Kaze who was wearing a large fur suit. Kaze looked as if he was a giant bear with a long snout. Kaze then ran around the snow with the two hunting dogs as they chased each other.
“It would have been done faster if your companion there didn’t grow a foot every couple of days,” Hikoko said as she stepped out of the door frame. Hikoko then threw a backpack and bedroll at Hikoko.
“Go on and leave your grandma. I was planning on moving closer to the village as the bottom of the mountain anyway. I will be keeping your hounds though for some well-needed help around the house” Hikoko said as she petted the two dogs who ran back to her side.
Mei started to cry and ran up and hugged her grandmother with happiness and sadness of leaving her. Hikoko hugged her back fully as Tokage and Kaze stood watching with warmth in their heart.
As Kaze bounded over to Hikoko, his massive form almost comical in the fur suit, Hikoko scratched him behind the ears affectionately.
"Take care of this scaly beast of yours, Tokage. And Mei, remember to always listen to your instincts. They'll guide you well."
With a final nod and a heartfelt smile, Hikoko stepped back, giving them the space to begin their journey. Tokage turned to Mei, his eyes filled with determination and excitement.
"Are you ready, Mei?" he asked, his voice a mix of anticipation and eagerness.
Mei's smile was a reflection of her determination.
"I am, Tokage. Let's continue our journey together."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Tokage, Mei, and Kaze began their ascent up the mountain. The air was crisp, and the landscape stretched out before them in a pristine expanse of snow-covered terrain. The sun cast a warm golden glow, signaling the changing of seasons and the promise of a new chapter in their journey.
Kaze, adorned in his makeshift fur suit, seemed to relish the improved weather. His movements were more fluid, his steps more confident, and his golden eyes sparkled with newfound energy. He would occasionally roll in the snow, seemingly enjoying the sensation of the cold against his warm fur. Tokage and Mei couldn't help but laugh at his antics, their spirits lifted by his infectious joy.
As they ventured higher, Mei's bow and arrow were slung over her shoulder prepared for any beast that may stand between them and their destination, Mei with her keen eyes, scanned the surroundings for any signs of wildlife.
Tokage walked alongside Mei enjoying the scenery as he watched his companion run around the snow. He marveled at the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, the snow-capped peaks and the towering trees that stood as silent witnesses to their journey. His mind raced with thoughts of the great city and the answers that awaited them there.
As the day progressed, they came across a small stream winding its way through the snow. The sound of trickling water was a soothing melody amidst the quiet landscape. Kaze dipped his muzzle into the water, lapping up the clear liquid with enthusiasm. Mei knelt down beside him, cupping her hands to drink from the stream as well.
"This water is so pure and refreshing," Mei said with a smile. "It's moments like these that make the journey worthwhile."
Tokage nodded in agreement, taking a moment to savor the cool water on his lips.
"It truly is refreshing, we better load up our canteens for the journey ahead"
As the day wore on, they continued their ascent, the landscape shifting as they reached higher altitudes. The air grew thinner, and the temperature dropped, but the determination in their hearts burned brighter than ever. They found a sheltered spot beneath the shelter of a rocky outcrop to rest and share a meal.
Kaze curled up beside them, his fur suit providing him with warmth and comfort. He let out a contented sigh, his eyes half-lidded as he basked near the fire’s heat. Mei and Tokage sat in the quiet listening to a Kaiju slowly drift off to sleep. The two decided to join Kaze and rest up for the next day.
The next morning, they continued their journey upward, their determination unwavering despite the challenges that came with the higher altitude. Each step was a testament to their resilience and their shared goal of reaching the peak of the mountain. The wind grew colder, and the snow-covered landscape stretched out before them in a breathtaking panorama.
After hours of steady ascent, they finally reached the summit. The view that greeted them was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The world lay below, a patchwork of valleys, forests, and distant mountains. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow across the land.
Mei's eyes widened in wonder as she took in the vastness before her.
"It's breathtaking, Tokage. Look at how far we can see. I’ve lived on these mountains almost my entire life and I was never allowed to go to the peak because of how dangerous it was."
Tokage stood beside her, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and gratitude. "It’s like I can see the whole world up here. I feel like I am connected to it all."
As they observed the landscape, their eyes were drawn to a distant point on the horizon, to the north of the mountain. There, nestled between the peaks, was a small city, its twinkling lights hinting at the life and possibilities that awaited them. It was the great city they had heard so much about, the place where their questions might finally find answers.
"Is that... the great city?" Mei asked in a hushed tone, her gaze fixed on the distant lights.
Tokage with deep focus, nodded, a sense of anticipation building within him. "I’m not sure... I don’t know what it looks like. Ryu said I would recognize the great city when I saw it, but he did say it was north and that I would find it.”
Tokage was excited and nervous that he was so close to his destination. Kaze could feel that he was excited and joined in celebrating by making happy rumbles. Tokage jumped off the peak and started to descend the mountain. Kaze and Mei rushed behind trying to catch up.
“Hey slow down! It’s dangerous to descend a mountain, one wrong step and you could injure yourself or cause an avalanche.” Mei yelled at Tokage. Tokage slowed down and came to a stop waiting for the other two to catch up.
“ What’s an avalanche?” Tokage said as still a novice to the mountain life. Kaze who was still in momentum went to stop, but instead, his legs were tucked underneath the snow and he began rolling down the mountain at a rapid pace until he smacked into a rock wall making a giant echo that scaled across the mountain. Kaze got up and shook his head confused, but then went back to his normal self and frolicked over to Tokage and Mei. The ground started to shake and the snow beneath them started to move ever so slightly. A loud roar could be heard higher up the mountain near the peak.
“We need to run now!” Mei said as she started to sprint down the mountain. Tokage and Kaze stood there confused until they could see the heavy snow pile descend the mountain at a rapid pace and catching up with them. Tokage and Kaze then started to run and joined Mei.
“Hold on I have a plan!” Tokage said. Tokage jumped onto Kaze and helped Mei onto Kaze’s back as well.
“Okay Kaze, time to slide!” Tokage yelled out to his friend. Kaze ran faster then jumped into the air. Kaze hit the ground with his belly making contact only. Kaze with Tokage and Mei on his back zoomed down the mountain at a lightning-fast speed. The avalanche was hot on their tail as the three yelled out hoping they could outspeed it. The mountain’s floor then disappeared from underneath them as they realized they were airborne. The avalanche crashed into the crevice below and the three zoomed past and crashed on the other side of the mountain. The three then tumbled down the rest of the mountain in a snowball eventually stopping by hitting a large tree at the bottom of the mountain.
Bruised and battered, Tokage, Mei, and Kaze slowly disentangled themselves from the heap of snow and limbs. They were sore and covered in snow, but thankfully, the worst of the ordeal seemed to be over. Tokage groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head and checking himself for any serious injuries.
"Is everyone okay?" he asked, looking over at Mei and Kaze.
Mei let out a laugh that was part exhilaration and part relief.
"I can't believe we just did that! And we're alive!"
Kaze let out a rumbling sound, almost like a chuckle, as he shook off the snow from his fur. Despite the tumble and the chaos, his golden eyes sparkled with a mixture of playfulness and satisfaction.
Tokage couldn't help but grin, despite the aches in his body.
"Yeah, that was quite the ride. Good thinking, Kaze. You saved us from that avalanche."
As they caught their breath, the adrenaline from their impromptu descent still coursing through their veins, Mei's excitement was palpable.
"Can you imagine the look on Grandma's face when I tell her about this? 'Oh, by the way, Grandma, we outran an avalanche on the mountain!'"
Tokage chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"She's going to be angry about that one. I can see why you weren’t allowed at the peak of the mountain now."
Mei stretched her arms and legs, testing her body for any lingering soreness.
"You know, despite the craziness, I'm actually kind of glad it happened. It's like a unique experience to add to our journey. And it'll give us something to laugh about once we're safely in the city."
Tokage looked toward the direction of the city and noticed the faint glow of the city as dusk started to settle.
“There it is. Let’s make our way to it everyone” Tokage said with excitement and focus.
And so, they journeyed on, their hearts filled with camaraderie, hope, and the promise of a city that held both answers and mysteries. The lights of the great city shone brighter than ever, guiding them forward through the challenges that lay ahead.
Chapter 10
The city was finally within Tokage’s grasp and the much-awaited answers would soon come to fruition. Tokage, Mei, and Kaze headed towards the trail to the road for the city. Upon approaching the city, Tokage hesitated. He looked back at Kaze who was still wearing his giant furry suit.
“I don’t think you can just walk right in there buddy. Mei and I should look in there before we find out it is okay for you to come. “ Tokage said as he rubbed Kaze’s snout. Kaze whimpered wanting to go with his fellow friends, but then circled and flopped down to wait.
“We will be back later tonight Kaze I promise. I’ll even bring you some tasty food!” Mei said as she also patted Kaze. The two then set out onto the road leading to the city.
The city sprawled out before them, a maze of towering brick buildings, bustling streets, and the hum of activity filling the air. It was a stark contrast to the solitude of the mountains they had left behind. As Tokage and Mei walked through the bustling streets, their eyes wide with wonder, they took in the sights and sounds of this new world.
The buildings rose high into the sky, their intricate designs and architecture a testament to the ingenuity of the people who had built them. The streets were alive with people of all kinds, moving with purpose and energy. Vendors lined the sidewalks, selling a variety of goods from tools to work the fields within the city and intricately handcrafted items. The scent of food wafted through the air, a tantalizing invitation to explore the culinary delights of the city. Vegetation seemed to thrive even in this urban environment. Plants cascaded down from balconies, vines wound their way around lamp posts, and small gardens were tucked into every available space. The city was a living, breathing entity, a fusion of nature and human creation.
Mei's eyes shone with excitement as she took in the vibrant scene.
"It's incredible, Tokage! Look at how many types of food there are here. I’ve only known the mountains since my whole life, but this is incredible. It's like a whole new world."
Tokage nodded, his gaze sweeping over the city's expanse.
"Yeah, it's nothing like anything I've ever seen. I wonder how I can find out about my village and who I should ask. Ryu said that the best way to find information is first to examine the environment.."
As they explored further, they came across a marketplace filled with stalls of all kinds. Traders hawked their wares, and the air was filled with the sounds of haggling and laughter. Mei's eyes lit up as she spotted an array of colorful fabrics and textiles.
"Oh, Tokage, look at these fabrics! They're so intricate and beautiful," Mei exclaimed, her fingers trailing over the smooth fabrics.
Tokage smiled at her enthusiasm. "We should find you something nice, Mei. Something to remember this city by. Ryu gave me currency before he left. He told me the currency is used to purchase things from other fellow merchants like himself"
As they continued their exploration, they stumbled upon a vast expanse of farmland within the city. Lush green fields stretched out before them, dotted with rows of crops and grazing animals. Farmers tended to their tasks with diligence, their hard work evident in the bountiful harvests.
“They must be growing crops for the great titan also. My village had similar fields that would grow only the best crops for the Titan. It was odd though, we were never allowed to eat those crops and instead had to eat off the land.” Tokage said as his words trailed off in thought.
“They do have so many crops within the city yet, I don’t think I had seen one food vendor along the shops that matched the crops and livestock they are growing,” Mei said as she tilted her head.
As they walked through the city, they came across a cozy inn nestled between the buildings. The sign read "Retsu's Rest," and the inviting aroma of food wafted from within. The inn was run by an older woman named Retsu and her son, who warmly greeted them as they entered.
"Welcome, travelers! Come in, come in! We have warm food and comfortable beds for weary wanderers like yourselves," Retsu called out with a friendly smile.
Tokage exchanged a glance with Mei and decided to introduce themselves as travelers passing through the city. Tokage was reminded to always say he was a traveling merchant to better help traveling without questions as he thought about Ryu lecturing him ages ago.
"Thank you, ma'am. We'd be grateful for a hot meal and a place to rest."
Retsu's son, a young man named Ryo, led them to a table near the hearth. As they enjoyed a hearty meal, Ryo chatted with them about their journey and shared stories of his own travels.
"You know, my mother and I have met many travelers over the years," Ryo said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Each one brings a unique tale, and it's fascinating to learn about different places and cultures from beyond the city." Tokage and Mei felt deeply by his words. Tokage himself craved to venture out of his village which brought him to his new companion and Mei herself was on her first journey from the mountains she had only known. Tokage and Mei sat there telling stories to Ryo about their adventures so far only switching Kaze from being a Kaju to just a normal large beast Tokage had raised from young.
As the night went on, the inn's common room was filled with the warmth of storytelling and laughter. Ryo listened with rapt attention, his genuine interest evident in his animated expressions. Retsu occasionally joined in, adding her own anecdotes and wisdom to the mix.
"You two have led quite the adventurous lives," Ryo remarked, a mixture of awe and admiration in his voice.
"It takes courage to leave behind the familiar and embark on a journey into the unknown. I want to go out on an adventure, but I think I will never be able to as when my mom retires, I will most likely take over here."
Tokage smiled appreciatively.
"And it takes good-hearted people like you and your mother to welcome travelers like us into your inn and make us feel at home."Mei's gaze turned to the fire, her mind wandering for a moment before she spoke.
"You know, Ryo, sometimes the unknown holds the answers we're searching for. It's where we find the truths about ourselves and the world around us. I miss my grandmother, but I think I would have hated myself if I never was about to go out with Tokage and Kaze."
As the night grew late and the tales continued to flow, Tokage, Mei, Ryo, and Retsu found themselves bonded by the shared experience of storytelling and the connection that comes from understanding one another's journeys. The inn, with its flickering firelight and cozy atmosphere, had become a haven of stories and friendship amidst the bustling city.
“I am sorry though about your village Tokage. It is hard to hear that you received the wrath of starvation.” Ryo said as he bowed his head. Tokage looked perplexed.
