Lore Script (First Draft) [Completed?]

Author's Note: This is a continuation version of the previous chapter expanding upon the Nightmare & Confrontation the MC has with her past separately.

Izumo Village, Evening

Woman: "This place..."

A young woman was walking down the courtyard of what appeared to be a family home though unsure as to why she was here felt troubled by this.

"Worthless..."

Turning to the sound, she saw a figure towering over a little girl. Moving towards them she noticed that this scene was all too familiar as a hand grasped her shoulder. Turning to the source, she saw nothing.

Voice: Face your fears, I am with you.

Woman: Who are you?

Taking the silence as an answer, she turned back to the scene playing out.

The girl was sobbing next to what appeared to be her mother as the figure next to her clenched its fists then spoke.

Figure: "Why are you here?..."

The voice rang as the little girl timidly looked at the figure before her, it looked at the mother briefly as it turned back to face her with hatred in its eyes.

Figure: "Your mother is sleeping, go back to your room."

Reaching for her, it pulled the girl away from the bedside and brought her close to its face.

Figure: "Know this, you were a mistake, a blight to this family."

Sobbing, the girl could only look as the figure threw her to the ground.

Figure: "I will not ask you again, leave us."

Clutching her doll, she immediately ran away as the figure fell to its knees and sobbed.

The figure fell to its knees by the bedside and groaned in agony then turning to see both of them in the distance.

As the girl ran past her, the woman slumped to the ground as the figure approached her then grasping her throat and raising her. Gasping for breath she struggled as light soon shone on its darkened face. As her vision began to fade, another figure stepped out from a portal of light and approached them with a grin.

Voice: It's time to wake up and face your destiny, little one.

*CRACK!*

Inari Shrine, Evening

Rising sharply out of bed, a young woman gasped in pain as cold sweat fell from her brow. Once she regained composure, she rose and began to dress herself for a brief walk.

Kiizu: "I was told as a child that my birth brought misfortune to the village, apparently having more than a single tail as a Kitsune was a myth, a legend, a blight to the land of our ancestors."

Kiizu: "Even after many years, this dream haunts me as I am reminded of the death of my mother and my father's decision to cast me out that fateful night."

Entering the main hall, she looked upon the ancestral statue of her forefathers and gave reverence as she heard the wind rippling through the air as a sharp thud was heard beside her.

Kiizu: It's a pleasant evening.

Trim: Indeed, a little too quiet for my taste though.

Kiizu: I see someone is on edge tonight.

Trim: It doesn't hurt to be too careful my lady.

Looking towards the scattered clouds, the moon graced them with its light. Turning towards each other, Trim noticed something ominous.

Trim: How mysterious...

Kiizu: ?!

A soft glow appeared on her hand as an image flickered above her palm. It was a curious sight, but what followed startled them both.

Voice: The time is now, little one.

Turning to the sound, there was an abundance of torches in the far into the forest thicket.

Kiizu: "It seems we have unwanted guests."

Trim: "Shall I go?"

While worrying about the voice would've taken priority, it would have to be dealt with later.

Hiding her disappointment, she walked towards the incoming group placing a hand on her hip as if prematurely assuming victory then crossing her arms to ponder the situation before speaking.

Kiizu: "No, I need to face them alone."

Shrugging to this remark, he walked up by her side and scoffed.

Trim: "Hmph, I will intervene if necessary."

Smiling to herself, she knew he would naturally refuse this request.

Kiizu: "Thank you, it won't be long."

Trim: "Then let's get moving."

Passing an object in her hand, he soon vanished into the night.

It was a ring, she could sense a familiar energy within though smiling briefly she put it on as she turned to the incoming threat. A soft laugh was heard in the distance as if inviting her to proceed.

Kiizu: "This ends tonight."

Racing out the main hall, she soared through the bamboo thicket as echoes of the past filled her mind.

Young Kiizu: "Mommy, is it wrong for me to have more than one tail?"

Mother: "Of course not dear, you were blessed by Inari herself."

Young Kiizu: "Mhm!"

Mother: "I love you."

Embracing her mother, she looked up and grinned as she felt a hand brush her ears as they rose with delight.

Young Kiizu: "I love you too!"

Gritting her teeth, she hid in a nearby bush as the approaching intruders came into view. Her face paled but soon set aside her feelings and calmly stepped into the path as she hid one of her tails from view.

As they approached, it soon became clear that their visit wasn't an accident.

The sakura blossoms flew freely in the moonlight as a figure stepped forward and approached her.

Figure: "I am Toshiro of Kitsune Clan, where do you come from stranger?"

Kiizu: "I am Ascensia, I am but a shrine priestess in these parts for Lady Inari."

Toshiro: "Then perhaps you can guide us to the source of the Lord Inari's energy, we believe it to be a sign of his coming."

Maintaining composure, she made a calm gesture towards the shrine in the distance.

Kiizu: "I can take you to the shrine, perhaps you may find clues in the surrounding area."

Crossing his arms, he then nodded then resting an arm on his katanas.

Toshiro: "Very well."

Ensuring her extra tail blended with the other, she bowed lightly before walking towards the shrine as they followed. As the moonlight illuminated their way, the villagers were enchanted by her beauty.

Toshiro: "From which village do you hail from if I may ask, lady priestess?"

Kiizu: "Miyagi, it is northeast of here."

Stroking his beard, he looked towards the direction briefly.

Toshiro: "I see, a true pilgrimage."

Giving a gentle smile, she looked back.

Kiizu: "Certainly."

"What do I do...of all people to meet out here."

Gripping her wrist while keeping her pace to hide her emotions, they soon approached the shrine as both Toshiro and the villagers expressed awe in the fine craftsmanship of Inari adorning her female form.

Turning to Kiizu, Toshiro humbly bowed which surprised her though returned the same respect before he began to ponder around the courtyard.

Toshiro: "I can feel His energy here, faint yet strong regardless."

Taking the initiative to speak, she walked towards the statue.

Kiizu: "It has been years since She has graced us with her presence."

Standing next to her, he looked at the statue then bowing humbly noticed the moonlight falling upon them once more, yet focused on her which caught his attention.

Toshiro: "Have you noticed anything ominous lately?"

Smiling, she turned to him and began walking as the others watched as her tail separated into two as a smile formed following a pool of darkness opening.

Kiizu: "Yes, and it's right here."

Gesturing to the light it shone upon the statue as its eyes glowed fiercely as if acknowledging them as intruders then the floor glowed brilliantly with a peculiar symbol.

Toshiro: "Lord Inari is here?!"

Drawing his blade, he fell into a stance and glared at her as the crowd soon followed suit as Trim slowly appeared next to her then brandishing his blade as if already expecting the fight to begin.

Toshiro: "What are you?"

As if answering his own question, a soft wind parting her hair gave him a clear view of her face as emotions that had been buried long ago rose as he began to piece things together along with her distinct twin tails.

Kiizu: "Do you remember who I am?"

With a swift motion she gave a sharp kick as he barely managed to parry her as he was buffeted away as Trim turned his attention to the bystanders who began charging at them.

Kiizu: "Maybe this will jog your memory!"

Despite not having much experience fighting, her time training with Trim in close combat gave her the initiative needed for this moment.

Villager: "For Lord Toshiro!"

A hail of arrows was directed towards her as she felt a strong arm pushing her away from them.

Trim: "Tch!"

Deflecting a majority, Trim suffered a couple shots to his abdomen to which he grimaced then snapping the arrows in defiance as the other villagers surrounded them.

Kiizu: "Trim!"

Trim: "Idiot, deal with the leader. I can handle this rabble."

Rising to her feet, she caught her breath as Trim soon rose and spat at the incoming villagers.

Trim: "Take care of the leader, this rabble is mine."

Rushing into the fray, Trim gave no remorse as he bisected the feeble Kitsunes as their blood showered the area.

Trim: "Embrace your fate!"

Disturbed by this, Toshiro gave a signal to which Kiizu felt bloodlust around them as masked figures appeared and struck at Trim disarming his weapon.

His weapon gone, it was clear Trim was running out of energy to continue this battle as he was soon surrounded by his new opponents. Spitting out some blood, he readied himself as he began fighting once more.

Attempting to rush to his aide, Kiizu was stopped by Toshiro's blade as he stepped in between them.

Toshiro: "Now then, spawn of Yako. Why would I remember you?"

Disgusted by this response, Kiizu tried to strike at him though he was prepared to stop her attack and repelled the assault as she fell helplessly before him.

Seeing his blade approaching, she could only flinch and turn away as the sound of metal rang in the night.

Trim: "Get up, idiot."

Opening her eyes, she saw Trim grinning as blood trailed down his mouth.

Kiizu: "T-Trim?!"

Standing firm, Trim groaned as Toshiro twisted the blade.

Kiizu: "Leave him alone!"

Trim: "Don't...bother..."

Kiizu: "?!"

Trim: "It'll take more...than a pathetic sheet of metal...to kill a demon."

Grinning at the man, Trim merely smiled as blood welled in his mouth as he spat at her Father who only proceeded to remove the blade as the young demon fell to the ground showing no signs of resistance.

Toshiro: "Let us end this, for Ayaka."

Her eyes dilating from the sight of Trim as the blade neared her face, she looked once more at the man who had cast her aside all those years ago. Visions of her mother motionless on her deathbed filled her with pain as it soon fell upon her.

Kiizu: "Please...stop this."

As Toshiro raised his blade, the night winds began to blow fervently as if symbolizing fate and its unhallowed hand in this moment. All Kiizu could do then, was clutch Trim in her arms and look at the moon rising from the clouds as the blade fell upon them.

*CLANG!*

Toshiro: "W-What?"

Taken aback by the sudden resistance, her hand stopped it though it was enveloped in a white light.

Toshiro: "This is impossible, it cannot be."

Grasping the blade, the young woman raised her head. Opening her eyes, Toshiro's face went pale as fear filled his mind.

Toshiro: "Inari...sama..."

Shattering the blade, Inari rose with Trim in her arms as Toshiro hurriedly bowed before her then casting aside his blade.

Inari: "Toshiro, my foolish child."

Placing Trim before her own altar, she placed a hand upon his wound and healed him. As she turned Trim grasped her wrist and glared at the deity as they looked at each other.

Trim: "Bring. Her. Back."

Placing his hand back, Inari gently brushed his forehead and gave a gentle smile before turning away.

Toshiro: "Inari-sama, I profusely apologize for my insolence. Please, forgive us of this insult."

Approaching him, Inari looked down at the groveling figure as a blade appeared in her hand.

Inari: "Save your petty excuses, your actions have left you wanting."

Drawing the blade to his neck, the flames barely began to singe his flesh as he groaned from the pain yet he dared to not look up.

Inari: "I have watched you for many years, and you are the one to blame for the misfortune of your village. And for that, my blessing lies with your child so that your mistakes may be fixed by her alone."

Toshiro: "My...child?"

Ignoring the fear that restrained him before, he looked upon Inari, at the young woman as her tails swayed gently as tears filled his eyes. Drawing the blade back, Inari prepared to strike him down as he calmly seated himself before her and presented himself.

Toshiro: "If this is my fate, then so be it."

Inari: "It shall be done."

With a swift gesture, the cycle was complete.

Trim struggled to stand as he saw the event unfold though doubt formed in his mind regarding who he was looking at. Her appearance had changed almost immediately to something foreign yet divine as the figure turned towards him.

Inari: "Ah, you recover faster than expected."

Trim: "..."

Trim had to be careful, if he was truly facing a deity then he could very well be eliminated in an instant.

Inari: "Come now, at least show some appreciation."

Trim: "Where is she?"

Disappointed, Inari crossed her arms and looked despondent.

Inari: "Asleep. She will be up soon enough."

Trim: "Wha- "

Inari: "All will be answered in due time young demon, for the time being. Protect her.

Trim: "Fine, so what now?"

Turning towards the horizon, Inari drew her blade and cut the air in front of her as a gateway appeared before them. Taken aback, Trim was cautious as Inari stepped forward then placing a palm against the rippling energy.

Inari: "There is much to do, and so little time."

Trim: "What do you mean?"

Inari: "That is for the two of you to figure out over there."

Before he could say anything, he found himself pulled into the gate along with her.