ROGUE MOON

Glass shattered against the bar wall as four well-suited men were laughing and shouting at their table near the bar stools. A roughed up man in a dark animal hide vest with a white shirt underneath sat at the far end of the bar drinking a dusty bottle of beer, the man was wearing a cowboy style hat with a rose red scarf at his neck. A Crow rested on his shoulder as if the man was a pirate, one of the men at the table near him stumbled over to his right side trying not to laugh too hysterically. “Now why in all of Old Region would some punk cowboy dress up child be at a fine establishment such as this, And didn’t anyone tell you not to bring pigeons indoors?” said the drunken man. The mysterious man at the bar didn’t reply back, he simply took another drink. “What is that out house water beer making you deaf? Take your goddamn pigeon outside!” shouted the drunken man. The drunken man grabbed the crows right wing and was instantly bitten by the animal. The mysterious man stood up and knocked the drunken man to the ground and stomped on his skull. The other men from the table rushed over to help their friend. The mysterious man fought each of them and beat them to the floor.“What happened next?” a hooded young man asked. “The men at the bar died that night except for the drunken man who grabbed the crow’s wing, that man was my father he used to show us the finger the crow bit when we were younger, that man was an insane drunk” replied the Bartender. a group of men we’re listening to a story by an old bartender at the Drunken Pig, the group of men were locals to Old Region and wanted to listen in on a story the old man was telling. The old man looks directly at the young man wearing a hood over his head. “You’re not from around here are ya kid?” asked the old bartender, “I suppose I make it to obvious wearing this hood. No I’m actually from Rain Region, that guy you were telling us about sounded like an amazing fighter”. said the hooded man. “I don’t suppose you’d have time for a tale would you?” asked the old bartender. “I have all the time in the world, I’ve been searching for someone but haven’t been able to find him, after this I’m probably giving up honestly.” replied the hooded man. “You fellas seem like a good bunch I’d like to tell you this region greatest story ever told, the story about the masked marauder, the blessed and benevolent king of this new Avalon, the powerful bastard himself!“. said the old bartender, “What was the mysterious man’s name?” asked the hooded man. “HITO!” a girl shouted at Hito, “AH, Alright Aiko! Why don’t you wake everyone in the village up with that crazy voice!” shouted Hito, “Don’t act like it isn’t already noon! You slept in again Hito, Master Senzu is already asking for you.” said Aiko, “Well he can wait another hour I was dreaming about fighting this big demon in some place that was burning on fire, I was winning to Aiko you should’ve seen me! replied Hito, “fighting in your dreams isn’t the same as real life Hito, your 16 years old and you don’t know how to kill demons anyway.” said Aiko, “You don’t know what you’re talking about Aiko! After today I’ll prove to everyone why I’m the best demon slayer in the village” said Hito. Our story begins with young Hito Ataka he is a 16-year-old stubborn child from Old Region an area consisting of multiple small towns and villages all in a giant desert oasis, he lives in a village there called Bengala and he’s been preparing for the day he showcased his skills for Master Senzu, the old Master brought in young Hito when he was just a baby, poor Hito’s mother died giving birth to him and his father left young Hito at Master Senzu’s temple in a basket woven with golden oak branches. The master heard a crying baby outside and ran to the entrance after he discovered the boy he found a note underneath him. Master Senzu cleaned Hito up and promised to take care of the orphan, Senzu was a master swordsmen that practiced his craft intensely, Senzu and his family have watched over Bengala for many generations aiding the village with their swords expertise, Senzu is the final member of his family bearing no sons of his own to carry on the legacy of protecting Bengala. Hito is grateful to Master Senzu for taking him in but often argues with the Master on training technique and lifestyle. Master Senzu teaches a group of 8 students that all practice sword fighting and meditation. Hito feels as though since he is Master Senzu’s new son he needs to be a better fighter than the other students but that isn’t what Master Senzu wants for Hito, Hito continuously strives to be stronger, he wants to vanquish all demons and eventually rid the lands of them. “Finally awake I see, I thought I’ve told you Hito if you’re late to rise you’ll be early to fall.” said Master Senzu “I apologize Master, but I believe I had another vision in my dreams, I think I saw myself in the future!” shouted Hito “Seeing into the future through your dreams sounds fortunate, but let me remind you that you won’t make it there if your stuck dreaming in bed. Notice the other students ready for another day of training and meditation finding self balance. You look as if you’re ready for a nap already.” angrily said Master Senzu “Blame Aiko she let me sleep forever sir” replied Hito, “Master He Lies!” screamed Aiko “Silence! I expected better from you Aiko, to speak out of turn in my temple is unacceptable, as for you Hito I urge you to be more like miss Aiko here, at least she can arrive to my lessons on time. Let this be a lesson to all of you not to be late to my instruction, for the next time one of you is late all of you must meditate on the roof of the temple for 24 hours.” said Master Senzu. The other seven students looked over at Hito with an angry look. “Today is the day I test all of your skills, I want to see who is the most developed swordsman in the class. I would like students Zam and Urndell to step forward with their blades and get ready to battle, we will have everyone spar to see who the strongest is”. explained Master Senzu, the two fought and all of the other students fought and the remaining couple yet to fight was Hito and a student named Tarvis. Hito was given a long sword by Master Senzu, it was old looking and wasn’t as sturdy as the sword Tarvis used. Tarvis had a broad sword that could cut through most things. “Your blade couldn’t cut a cloud Hito, You think your better than everyone here but you and I both know your trash”. taunted Tarvis “I say it because it’s true Tarvis, watch this old blade cut through that creeper smile you have, By the way Aiko doesn’t want to date you she told me you smell like shit!” replied Hito, “That’s it trash! No mercy this time!” shouted Tarvis. Hito took his stance as Tarvis charged toward him, Hito blocked his first strike then kicked his legs, Tarvis jumped back and lunged for another strike but was over powered by Hito, after 6 minutes of close fighting Hito was able to disarm Tarvis and made him kneel on the ground. Master Senzu called off the fight and announced that Hito was the winner. “Don’t challenge the best Tarvis, Next time I’ll have to put you in a coma” Hito said laughingly “Yeah whatever asshole...Aiko do you think I still have a shot?” asked Tarvis “...Your not my type Tarvis I’m sorry...” replied Aiko Tarvis passed out shortly after.

The day raged on and Hito kept gloating about how he had beaten Tarvis, Hito was very sure of himself he never talked about his past much, He didn’t have many friends all except for Aiko, he just didn’t connect with the other children of the village. The others were jealous of the fact that he lived in the fancy Senzu Temple and studied the art of sword fighting every day. It was obvious that Hito himself wanted more regardless of what kind of life people thought he lived. Master Senzu was a kind man for taking care of young Hito but he tends to be cold at times and Hito always seems to misread his Master.

“I bet you think you’re quite clever defeating Tarvis like that,” said Master Senzu, “He knew what was coming to him, I knew my new technique would work!” shouted Hito, “Yes I suppose that ballet of the sword was rather interesting... There’s no question that you still have much training to complete...” replied Master Senzu, “How could you even think that!? I crushed Tarvis and proved to the class that I’m the strongest!” said Hito, “You may have beaten your rival young one but you proved nothing to your classmates, Your sloppiness lead to an unprecedented victory that you barely achieved. Tarvis is weak in the mind he focuses on all the wrong things, you young one are different. You are capable of becoming a strong warrior Hito but you must let go of this arrogant sense of pride, it may kill you one day” explained Master Senzu, “My pride is what leads me to victory old man, I think your the one who has lost his fighting spirit.” replied Hito. Master Senzu walked over to a large dark cabinet and opened both doors, A large claymore sword was nestled inside shimmering from the light in the room. “There is a reason I’ve never told you about this sword Hito... It is the only sword that can truly protect this village from a demon lord. I want you to have it once you’ve become a master”. said Master Senzu. “Master it’s an amazing sword! Where did it come from?” asked Hito “This sword belonged to my great grandfather, in his day’s demons in larger numbers attacked this region. Our village here had been flooded with hordes of demons it was my great grandfather Oxmanus that forged the holy blade with the help of 2 angels. They named the blade Hope’s End, to signify that there will be no hope for the demon species as long as this blade rose to fight” explained Master Senzu “Whoa... what happened to your great grandfather Master?” asked Hito “Before the sword was forged the two angels he had met promised to help slay all of the demons in Old Region, the sword had a holy spell over it cast by the two angels. When the sword comes into contact with a demon lord it seals the demon away inside the sword for an eternity, the sword drains power from the demon to execute powerful spells and combat techniques, It’s only able to seal one demon lord and the demon can be released if the wielder breaks the blade which is next to impossible, the metal used to forge the blade is from the angels, the blessed blade is almost impossible to break” said Master Senzu “Is there a demon sealed away in the sword right now Master???” asked Hito “No young one, my great grandfather was never able to challenge a demon lord in his lifetime just small time demons, as life progressed and the sword passed down to each son, my father had to fight a demon lord with the sword but he ended up killing the demon lord instead of sealing it within the sword. We think it might be because he didn’t say the incantation on the blade, that may be what activates the seal but none of us have had the chance to try. After my father killed the demon lord that wrecked our region we had times of peace, now that I’m the only one of my family left to defend the village other than region guard I sense that our short lived peace is ending. Hito this is why I train you students to become the best swordsmen you can be, One day I won’t be around anymore and someone needs to protect the people” said Master Senzu “I think I understand Master... SO WHEN DO I GET THE SWORD!!!” shouted Hito “You ungrateful boy! I told you maybe you could receive the sword when you become a master but you must prove yourself worthy of it! You cannot continue thinking you’ll be the best with no hard work put into action, are you even listening!?” yelled Master Senzu “Yeah yeah stop trying to make my ear explode old man, Like I’ve said since the say you put a sword in my hands I’ll be the only protector this region or any other region needs! No one can stop Hito Akata!” replied Hito “You’ll never learn to be a humble swordsman will you young one... At least you’ll never doubt yourself that must count for something” Master Senzu said.

The sun was setting as Hito and Aiko walked towards a statue garnished with flowers, a few Bengala people were praying to the statue, below the feet read “SAVIOR OF REGIONS” above the title stood a tall man wearing a strange tunic, Hito threw a rock at the face of the statue and started laughing, the nose broke off and shattered on the ground. “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT! LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE YOU BIG JERK!!!” screamed Aiko “C’mon Aiko it’s just an old statue nobody knows who that is anyway, You can’t pray to some stupid rock every day expecting the demons to just disappear you know” replied Hito “A stubborn animal like you wouldn’t know a thing about a real hero, It’s not the statue that some of us here pray too, it’s the hero we call for! My mother always used to tell me that one day the hero from the statue will save us all from demon hordes and vanquish the Demon King himself! All we have is hope Hito and you obviously are too stupid to acknowledge what that really means...” cried Aiko “Aiko... I...” sighed Hito “Save it for someone who gives a damn Hito... I don’t ever want to see you again...” said Aiko before Hito could say something to stop her Aiko ran off towards her home. The people praying earlier gave Hito a bad look. “Look what you’ve done boy, you’ve desecrated our beautiful shrine for the only one who can save us. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!” shouted the old man, “Shut Up Old Man! Instead of waiting around for some loser to come save you why don’t you pick up a sword and fight by your neighbor’s side!” shouted back Hito, “Look around you! Most of us are old and sick from the conditions in this region, Region Guard does little to protect all of us we just don’t have the strength we once had. Our people are dying around us and if we don’t get more help soon a demon horde will find us again... It’s been 50 years since a demon Horde has found us out here in this desert, something tells me were due for an attack.” said the old man “Master Senzu won’t stand for any demons causing trouble in this region and neither will I old man! So just count on that!” shouted Hito “sigh... we are all doomed to hell” the old man replied then walked away along with the other villager. Hito started walking home as he thought about what Aiko said to him, he felt guilty for throwing the rock and wanted to apologize so he started running towards Aiko’s house. Hito reached her house and began knocking on her bedroom window, “Aiko!... Aiko are you home, please let me in I’m sorry that my arm was too strong for the nose of that statue... I mean I’m sorry I was a big jerk! Can we talk about it please...” said Hito, there was no response back? “Aiko we can walk to the stupid cherry blossom garden you love so much, I’m coming in okay?” shouted Hito, he still heard nothing back from Aiko. Hito jumped in through the window and looked around Aiko’s room, she wasn’t there, he suddenly heard a scream from the living room he quickly ran down the hall following the screams. When Hito ran into the living room both of Aiko’s parents were lying dead on the floor next to a dark figure that was holding Aiko by her neck in the air, Aiko looked over at Hito when in the same moment the dark figure crushed her throat killing her instantly. Blood poured out of Aiko’s eyes and nose, Hito quickly tackled the dark figure so hard they broke the window and landed outside. Multiple villagers surrounded them as Hito stumbled to get up, scratched up Hito started running for Master Senzu’s temple. The villagers kept their eyes peeled to the dark figure, “Ignorant fleshlings hahaha haha you have not the power to vanquish a Demon Lord, back away now or die by my claw” said the dark figure. The dark figure jumped into the sky launching itself at the villagers killing them off one by one. Hito reached the temple and found Master Senzu in full armor prepared to fight the dark figure. “Hito unsheathe your sword, protect yourself. I will do everything I can to hold off the demon lord with Hope’s End just stay behind me.” Master Senzu instructed. The demon lord blew up the front half of the temple exposing Master Senzu and Hito to the outside. “Senzu you desert rat... You’ve grown old since you slew Demon Lord Consava, he was a fool for underestimating you filthy humans but it’d be rude of me not to avenge him.” said the demon “Wicked One my name is Master Kendo Senzu son of Roha Senzu protectors of Bengala, you have no right darkening our lands with your demonic agenda, I will be the soul to stop you here and now!” replied Master Senzu “Gahahahaha insignificant flesh-ling, it’s interesting that you say your not the one who killed Consava, that means there’s no one alive in this pathetic region that can stop me. Even Consava was a larva compared to the all great and powerful lord that I am. I am the one they call Festus The Heart Eater.” said the demon Festus. Master Senzu unwrapped the blade Hope’s End and brought a great fear to Festus “That phantom sword still breathes I see, Better not keep you alive for to much longer old man. Have your prepared your soul to die Senzu...” asked Festus “It is you that will see an eternity in oblivion” replied Master Senzu. Festus ran swiftly towards Senzu as the Old man lifted his blade into the air then slashing downward creating a light wave that began splitting the ground below them. Festus was able to jump out of the way in time but the demon’s arm was severed off. “How could you predict my speed!? Disgusting human I only need one arm to devour your heart Senzu!” screamed Festus “My next move will ensure your death demon...” replied Senzu. Master Senzu closed his eyes and drained all of his power into Hope’s End, the sword began shimmering a light blue aura as Senzu pointed the tip of the blade right at Festus. A beam of light began forming at the tip of the sword as Festus stood smiling. “I see you’ve accepted your fate Demon Lord” said Master Senzu “Foolish Old Men never seem to listen... I thought I told you I only needed one arm to kill you!” Festus replied with a smile. Master Senzu looked to his left from the corner of his eye he could see the demon’s severed arm laying on the ground next to him. The arm stood up by the finger tips and plunged into Master Senzu’s chest grasping his heart, the arm ripped Master Senzu’s heart out of his body and the Master fell to the ground bleeding out. Hito ran to Master Senzu, he lifted his head off the ground and looked into his eyes. “Hito do not be afraid... I was able to use the last of my power to tell you farewell. You will not die today... You must seal Festus into Hope’s End... Hold the sword with both hands... point the blade directly at the demon and when the time is right to turn the blade clock wise as if you’re locking a door... Seal him within Hope’s End... Protect all who need you my strong son.............” whispered the ghost of Master Senzu “Master! Wake Up I can’t do this without you!” shouted Hito “hahaha hahaha ALL HUMANS ARE THE SAME! Insignificant feelings towards one another it disgusts me to my demonic core. You certainly are the most pathetic being I’ve ever came across. You ran from me as your village burned behind you something only a coward would do, You boy are the reason why all of your loved ones are now dead! Make this easy and give me that sword, since that old worm Senzu severed my heart eating arm, I’ll just have to carve your’s out with Hope’s End” said Festus “...The old man was the only person in this world that gave me a chance at a decent life... You demons think you can just go wherever you please and destroy homes and families... you assume that all of us humans are the same well let me be the one human to show you just how different we are...” Hito explained as he pointed the sword straight at Festus. “Talking large only gets you killed faster, your heart will indeed be a delicious one! ...Wait... Why can’t I move!?” screamed Festus “Hope’s End will forever be your prison... This is for you... Master Senzu...Aiko...” said Hito. A bright light burst out of the sword swallowing the demon lord Festus inside. “You’re just a boy how is this possible!?! Damn You Child!” shouting Festus. The demon was sealed inside Hope’s End and Hito collapsed to the ground. Hito woke up hours later feeling fatigued, the sword was still hot from sealing Festus away and he felt drained from the ordeal. He looked around at the destroyed temple and the village in ruins surrounding him. Tears began falling down his face as he walked into the temple. He went into the room the students trained in and noticed a strange mask Senzu had up for decoration. Hito put the mask on and fell to the floor. Dark thoughts began to surface as he sat there in the training room, he could hear a voice that sounded far away that kept repeating revenge. It sounded like Festus, he began realizing that the demon could still talk to him through the sword. Hito threw the sword at a shelf that knocked over an old scroll, Hito walked over to investigate the old scriptures. He unraveled the scroll and started reading “Master Senzu I must thank you for all of your help, Because of you I found a new reason to live and continue my fight for the life I deserve. You’ve shown me that everyone deserves a second chance...” the rest of the scroll was burned “Why would Master keep something like this... On the top it says from your dearest friend Azriel... Who could Azriel be? ...” wondered Hito. After collecting a few artifacts and clothes from the temple Hito left and began walking towards Aiko’s house, when arrived there he walked inside and lifted Aiko’s dead body from the ground and buried her in her backyard. Hito sadly walked back into Aiko’s broken home and entered her room where he found a necklace sitting next to her vanity mirror. He lifted the necklace up and began to smile “Stupid neck metal... she spent that money she saved up for three years working for Master Senzu just to buy it, The damn thing doesn’t even look cool... Aiko... Why did you have to go away from me...” Hito mourned to himself. “Hahahahahahaha She’s Never Coming Back Hito! Never Coming Back! Let me out and I’ll bring her back! Let me out! Hahahahaha” screamed Festus from inside the sword. “Get out of my head you bastard!!!!” Shouted Hito. the room fell silent, Hito couldn’t understand how the foul demon Festus was able to communicate with him even while sealed inside Hope’s End. “How is that possible... I need to find a way to unseal him and finally give Festus what he deserves... I’m to weak... I need to become the strongest demon slayer in the world” Hito thought to himself. Hito starting walking towards the entrance of the village, the sign to Bengala was half gone and the road leading out was covered in rubble, the statue that stood tall he always made fun of was untouched. “You always loved the stupid rock Aiko... Well where was he Aiko... Why didn’t you save her you bastard... WHY DIDN’T YOU SAVE ANYONE!!! You were suppose to be the chosen one but you don’t even exist!” Hito screamed at the statue. A breeze blew through the desolated village, a brown tattered looking cowboy hat flew onto Hito’s right boot, he lifted up the hat and he put it on tightly covering his eyes. He began to remember the man who owned this hat, it belonged to a mysterious man that would always walk into the Bengala Drink House, he would always drink Avalon Ale and always seem to get into bar fights with the locals, it was never his fault the people of Bengala just don’t like people from outside the desert wasteland. The man won every fight he was involved in and always seemed unhurt and comfortable after the action was over. People had no reason to fight the man they just did and never did anyone defeat the mysterious man. One day group of men wanted revenge from losing a previous fight with him and called him outside bearing weapons and 2 other men. The mysterious man stepped out of the Drink House and politely stated that if anyone didn’t turn around and start walking out of town when he said the word Vominos he would shoot them in the skull. After the man stated his demand the men started laughing, the front man started to draw his pistol when the mysterious man emptied his clip into all 4 men standing in front of him. Hito witnessed the entire incident, the man walked over to Hito and spoke to him. He asked if Hito has ever used a gun, Hito replied no, the man then explained “Get yourself a firearm and master it, Become the same tool of destruction and do what you must in a time of need”. Hito just quietly shook his head at the man and then asked for his name. “Quicksand Jericho, don’t you forget this day either kid”. said Quicksand, “Yes sir, I will remember you sir” replied young Hito “Your gonna be strong kid, I can already tell” said Quicksand as he smiled at Hito. Tears began rolling down his face as he walked off into the horizon towards a dark and ominous looking canyon that lies ahead, as each step got heavier than the next Hito began to realize that he needed to find a new place he can consider home and decide if he would allow loved ones in his life again. The smell of the village burning behind him made him feel sick, just thinking about Master Senzu having to protect him and die for it caused him to feel guilty for not taking his training more seriously, Hito felt as though if he had trained harder he would’ve been prepared to save Aiko and the entire village. The bartender took a large drink of his beer before he continued on with the story, “Before I get started again do you need another drink? You’ve been such a great listener I forgot to refill your mug!” said the bartender “Sure I’ll take another and don’t beat yourself up about it I’m sunk into the story your telling I gotta know what happens to Hito next” eagerly replied the hooded man. “That’s the spirit I like to see!” the bartender prepared to carry on telling the story when a drunken man with a thick mustache stumbled over to their table. “Did I overhear you fellers talking about a man named Quicksand Jericho?” asked the mustached man. “Not exactly sir, just telling this young man here an old story” replied the bartender. “I used to know Quicksand Jericho... He’s the reason I have this wooden leg...” said the mustached man as he lifted his left pant leg up. “He cut off your leg!!?” shouted the hooded man, “Shot it off... Yea see I used to be Ruce the Ravager. I used to steal loot from the locals around Old Region until Quicksand Jericho shot my leg clean off...” explained Ruce. “Sounds like a guy I wouldn’t want to mess with” said the bartender. “I’ve searched for that gun slinging son of a bitch since the demon hordes started rolling in. I used to be the animal this region feared but now demons have flushed out all the old outlaws that used to own these lands. When I heard Jericho was killed in Bengala all those years back I laid my hatred for him to rest along with my old self. In a way Quicksand saved me from a life I didn’t need to live, I can now say I’m at peace. Sorry to bother you two...” explained Ruce as he began walking out of the bar. “Ruce is a regular here but has never said a word to me or anyone else here, the world is smaller than we all think, isn’t it... What was your name again?“asked the bartender. “Luka... can we start where we left off in the story” replied the hooded man “Anxious to know what happens to Hito are we, let us return to Old Region as Hito embarks on his first journey to the dark canyon that awaits him!”