Kindred Spirits

by Emerald Zweihander

A Long Time Coming.

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“My son, it is time for you to become a Tengu worthy of this clan!” the old man sitting at the end of the table said. That man is my father. The he may only look twenty four, he’s really eighty five. “So, who will you take with you on your Rite of Passage?” I stood up and bowed to the old man. “It shouldn’t come as a surprise,” I replied, “But I will be bringing Typhoon, Nemo, and Gaelin as my Brothers-in-Arms.” My father just looked at me. “Why not your sisters?” he asked. I sighed and shook my head.

I am one of four children. My sister, Lore, and I are the oldest, being fraternal twins. Then there’s my younger sister, Trui, and my little brother, Illusio. The thing about my family; we’re not exactly human. Well, I’m the closest to being one. My father had an affair with a human woman, bringing yours truly into existence. Lore is a Nekomata, Trui is a Naga, and Illusio? Well he’s a demon changling. And to tip off this proverbial cake, we all have different talents and powers. I can commune and summon the pure elements of spirits, which is not common and considered unholy by the Galewing clan, thus earning me the nice title of “Abomination”.

“All very good choices, son,’ my father said, “But your sisters would be able to heal you in case you were hurt, or severely injured.” He genuinely seemed concerned as a father than the head of the clan. “On an off note, why are you still dressed like that, and what is that infernal noise coming from your room? I understand you’re trying to embrace your mother’s culture, but there’s no need to when you are here.” I was still in a t-shirt and jeans, having just returned from visiting my mother. As for the music I had “The Yoshida Brother’s” blaring from my stereo.

“The reason I have decided not to take my sisters, father, is because this is supposed to be a peace mission. The gods know that the other clans see me as a disgrace, and the last thing I need is for my spirit to end up in the Flames of Betrayal. As for my clothes and music, that is my choice and style,” I replied coolly. He only nodded at this so I took it as some sign of acceptance. “Very well, go to the shrine and pick your weapon. But choose wisely, for that will be your family birthright. And may you bring honor to our family.”

----o.0.o----

That was this morning. Now I’m in a strange forest looking for some village, I thought to myself. Just as I was passing an old bridge, I felt a powerful dark force in the ruins of a nearby castle. Well what could go wrong just taking a peak right? Ventus, one of the spirits I'm connected to, said in his usual optimistic tone. Everything could go wrong piped Terra, another element, and voice of reason of sorts. That's why he needs to find this village so we can meet up with Nemo, Gaelin, Lazareth, and Typhoon! “Can I please decide this on my own?” I asked, “Or would you rather I bring Ignis and Aqua in.” that shut them up. Just remember to be careful, we know of the dangers in this place. We must be ready to help if needed, but since you have, in a way of speaking; never been here before, it can be startling. Glacies added. She’s the closest thing to a big sister figure I’ve ever had. She always seems to know what to say when things become a pain.

I had never stopped to think about it before, but since I’m the only one who could hear these voices, I must seem like a loony at times. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to keep Zephyr at the ready,” I said, grabbing the hilt of my great sword. Zephyr was the weapon I had chosen from the shrine. It was made by Gaelin, my best friend and clan blacksmith. I was just hoping that all this went smoothly. Even though I was strong, I could only use my power in small doses at a time. “Welp, let’s go see what’s up,” I said cheerfully and headed in the direction of the ruins.

As the castle got closer, I could see a man kneeling on the ground, drawing a cross next to a pile of dirt… not dirt, but ashes. I felt like I should show my respects. Summoning Ventuse, I used the wind to spread the ashes. I hear the man speak something I don’t understand, then in a deep Russian accent, “Swift speed and may you have a good life in heaven, Comrade.” That’s so cool, this guy is freaking RUSSIAN! Walking up to him I greeted him, “Hello, Comrade!” I tried copying his accent, but with horrifying results. He let out a chuckle at my bad attempt.

“You have terrible accent, and don’t call me Comrade,” He said, turning towards me. I thought I had done a decent one.

“That bad?”

“Aye,” he replied, “In more ways than one. Now, care to tell me who you are and what you’re doing here.” It was more a statement than question.
Abort, abort he's on to us! SHUT IT! I yelled mentally to the spirit.

“I see you are indisposed,” the Russian said, “when you are ready to talk with someone other than yourself let me know.”

“Wait!” I yelled after him as he walked away, “I think we got off on the wrong foot. I’m a sort of priest and I’ve come to rid this place of evil.” The Russian only raised his eyebrow.

“Evil, eh? Sounds a bit cliché don’t you think?”

“What can I say, I deal in clichés,” I half chuckled. “Care to join me?”

“Sure, why not?” he replied with a smirk grin.

And to make things even more cliché, we both turned as we heard shouting.

A/N Just Wanna give cred to thatwheelchairguy and 12intandem for their Help on editing Seriously you guys are AWSOME!
Also you Guys met Corosive Dashe's Oc you will get his name next chapter!