Chapter 75

The forest stretched to the mountains where the Tengu lived. Aurelia could not believe the peace and tranquility the area gave her. She welcomed the change, and it wasn't a jungle. Zinjo and Aurelia talked about their wedding and how they should rule Shadowfen. The entire journey had seen their relationship grow from a seedling into a mighty oak tree.

Zinjo stopped and held up his hand and pointed to his ears. Aurelia followed suit. She closed her eyes and let the world fall away. Aurelia could focus on individual noises now. Wings, she could hear wings. They weren't small either. A slight rattle punctuated each wingbeat.

"Something watches us," Zinjo drew his partisan.

Aurelia tucked a lock of hair behind the ear and shook her head, "No, Zinjo. Put it away." Aurelia kept her eyes on him.

Zinjo frowned and held the weapon tightly. As Aurelia's gaze pierced his psyche, his face fell into a scowl, "Fine. I'll put it away." The partisan returned to his back. "I think you are leaving a lot to chance."

"I think we have to be careful. Nian said the Tengu have more power than a human. We may be werelions, but the tengu practice martial arts every day for hours on end. We'll fight if we have to, but I'd like to avoid it for now," Aurelia put her arms around Zinjo, "Besides, we need their help. It's hard to do that if we leave bodies behind us."

"Hmmm," Zinjo's arm encircled her, and he softly kissed her, "There is a sensibility to your words. I argue they may see us as intruders anyway and attack first, although your point of view makes a well-reasoned argument."

"I find it refreshing a pair of humans came in peace for a change," A disembodied voice said from somewhere above them. "Perhaps you would like to tell me why you seek the Tengu."

The pair watched the brightly colored armor descend toward them. Midnight feathers carried the slender body gently to the ground. Talons spread wide and made furrows in the earth, while the wind from the wings sent leaves in circles around the newcomer's feet.

Zinjo's hand strayed to the partisan on his back but quickly clasped the other after an icy stare from Aurelia. "How long have you been watching us?"

The darkened eyes regarded the pair in curiosity and humor, "Oh, long enough. Sojobo saw you coming in a vision and tasked me with finding you. I must say you two are different from the usual foreigners who come seeking out king. I am Daisuke, by the way."

Aurelia nodded, "We hope the king knows something about Lemurian Runes. We need them to help trap a great evil back home."

"I expected you wanted to receive training from him," Daisuke ruffled his feathers. A pile of dust appeared near his feet, "Much better. I believe more than a few Lemurians came to him. They never said why."

"Then we have come to the right person," Zinjo moved beside Aurelia, "How do we gain an audience?"

"Sojobo will not trust such a powerful artifact to any mortals. He will most likely ask you to prove your worth. As for how you will have to prove your worth, he will decide that as well." Daisuke watched the pair closely.

Zinjo turned to Aurelia, "Are you sure about this, dark princess? We have traveled a long way for a maybe."

Aurelia giggled and kissed her future husband, "Zinjo, this whole trip has been a maybe. We have come this far on faith. I intend to stay the course and see this journey through to the end. If this does not work out, then we will seek the runes elsewhere. I refuse to let Lebende Dunkelheit ruin my home or anyone else's."

"Your mate speaks the truth," Daisuke carried himself down the forest path with ease, "The journey matters as much as the destination itself."

"He is one of those," Zinjo scoffed and crossed his arms.

"What are you talking about?" Aurelia giggled and put her arm around Zinjo, "I think the Tengu makes sense," A slight pause, "You are a Tengu, right?"

"Ruk, ruk, ruk," Daisuke laughed and held his belly, "Of course I am a Tengu, I am a Karasu Tengu or Crow in your language." I have not yet obtained enough power to become a Hanataka."

"Tengu change over time?" Zinjo seemed impressed, "How long does it take?"

"All Tengu start as Konoha. We are more avian than humanoid in that form. As we practice our martial arts and train our spirits, we change," Daisuke seemed proud of his answer. Zinjo did not appear satisfied with it. "How long it takes will depend on the Tengu's dedication to change."

"If you live on the mountain, why are you in the forest?" For practice, Aurelia drew the Lion's Fang with lightning speed. The blade slashed a bamboo stem in two.

Daisuke watched the blad,e and he grinned, "A sword made with Al' Miraj horn. Such a prize is difficult to obtain," The beak made it impossible to tell if the Tengu mocked or complimented, "Karasu Tengu care for the forests. We strive to keep balance, so the land continues to prosper."

"It sounds like a big job," Aurelia commented, "What were you doing before you found us?"

"It is not your concern," Daisuke continued toward the mountain.

"I want to offer our help with your task," Aurelia stopped and refused to take another step further.

"Understand it makes me look bad to have an outsider do my work for me." Daisuke seemed amused by the suggestion, "You are but humans. I highly doubt you can help me." The superiority in the Tengu's voice got under Aurelia's skin.

Aurelia focused and became the fearsome lioness. Zinjo roared as he shifted forms as well. "I think you will find we are more than capable of helping you with your work," She growled.

Daisuke clapped excitedly, "You are Lions. Lions in pairs are a good omen. Very well, I will allow you to help me with my work," His hand swept through the air and encouraged the pair of lions to follow him.

"What were you hunting?" Zinjo asked as he unstrapped the partisan.

"This land was once the site of a great battle. Buckets upon buckets of blood were spilled all over the forest floor. Once in a while, a group of Jubokko will take root and must be destroyed."

"Jubokko?" Zinjo kept his head on a swivel as his eyes remained on the dense tree line.

Daisuke chuckled, "They are demons, but they lack the agency to move as they are trees."

"Trees?" Aurelia scoffed, "A group of trees is making your life difficult?"

"Don't be so quick to dismiss the dangers these trees pose to the forest. They are vampiric and strangle people with their long roots and drain them of their blood."

"Then we shall be the lumberjacks who take them down." Zinjo clenched his fist in determination."