Fan Fiction ❯ The Search for the Jeweled Orb ❯ One-Shot

Search For The Jeweled Orb

By Rurouni Kitsune

"Miss Kingston, you must not go out there!" My maid told me.

"Why not Lilly?" I inquired.

"Well, miss there are demons out there." She replied in a hushed voice.

"I think I will be alright. I'm only going out for a little stroll." I responded as I threw my cloak over my shoulders.

Yup, that's me, Cecelia Kingston, daughter of a British Lord sent to govern the new island found off the shore of Africa. I'm way too cocky. I mean, I went out of the manor, without protection I might add, for a little fresh air when the manor had been attack three times in the last week.

Well I guess I'm not what you'd call bright, not then at least. If I could relive that moment I would not have gone. Well okay, that's a lie. I still would have gone. Even if I nearly destroyed the Earth, and almost got myself killed, I still had fun. Hey, what's an adventure now and then?

Before I get to the story, I'm going to give you a little background information. First off, the island I now live on is called Majin Island. Majin is a demon. The word is Japanese, and that's all I really know about it.

Second, this island has a legend. It is that, hidden somewhere on the island is something called a Jeweled Orb. The Jeweled Orb supposedly gives its owner the power to control a huge army of the undead. [Kind of like zombies except uglier.] Now, the Jeweled Orb was created a thousand years ago. It is an orb made of pure gold. On it is a hundred jewels.

Ok well, there is a group of natives on the island that have warned us that the Orb will soon be in the hands of evil doers. We must find it before they do. Otherwise, the Earth will be in great peril. Father says it is nothing but silly superstition. I believe it though, and I'd like to find that Orb, even if just to see it.

Oh yeah, another thing. This island is filled with all sorts of demons. [That's why it's called Majin Island.] Some are good, but most evil. If one of them should get hold of the Orb it will make the demon the strongest creature alive. With all of that said, let's get back to the story.

I strode out the front entrance. The cool summer breeze blew back my long blonde hair. Smiling, I followed the footpath to the beach. Looking out over the horizon I didn't notice a little monkey come up next to me and take my satchel. Suddenly I felt it gone. Then I saw the little monkey.

"Hey you!" I said. "Give that back!"

The monkey took off. I followed, in pursuit. Soon it reached the forest and jumped up into a tree. I watched it swing from branch to branch. In vain, I tried to keep up but soon fell behind. Stopping for breath, I leaned up against a tree. All of a sudden, a branch grabbed me.

"Ha ha ha. What a beautiful young damsel. You will be a perfect meal!" the tree said.

Looking up I saw that the tree I was leaning on was a tree demon. Instinctively I pulled my arm away, and out of the demon's grasp. In seconds, all of the trees around me were grabbing at my dress. I lost it and ran. Through the underbrush I ran, in no real direction. All I knew was that the trees were after me.

After running for about ten minutes I came across a meadow. In the meadow was a lake. Slowing to a walk I looked around. The meadow was at least a mile wide. I knew I'd be safe here for a while, and headed for the lake. Once I reached the lake I sat on the edge and tried to figure out where I was. Not seeing anything familiar I came to one conclusion.

Oh man. I'm lost! I can't believe that this happened to me. What am I going to do?

"Yeah what are you going to do?" A voice asked me.

I looked up, startled. Next to me I saw a fox, and not just any fox. This fox had a blue jewel on its forehead. The rest of the fox was silver.

"Pardon me?" I inquired.

Suddenly the fox turned into what looked like a human boy. The boy had brown hair, tan skin and wore a white hamaka along with a red shirt.

"I asked you what are you going to do?" He responded.

"I do not believe I asked that out loud-"

"You didn't."

"Then how?"

"I can read minds." The boy replied smiling. "The name's Sota. What's yours?"

"Lady Cecelia Kingston."

"What do your friends call you?"

"Friends?"

"You know, the people you hang out with?"

"Oh, well they call me Cecelia."

"Do you have a nickname?"

"Trunks."

"Well Trunks, tell me. What brings you this far into Demon Forest?"

"Demon Forest? I wasn't aware there was a such a place."

"Well humans can't see it."

"I'm human."

"You can't be. You're here. This is a place where only demons can tread."

"Well obliviously not. Now good day Mr. Sota." I stood up and walked in the direction of the forest.

I can't believe that little boy. He treated me like an equal! I am not his equal! I am the daughter of this island's governor. My family is one of the highest in England. My parents were well respected and my family has always been respectable. I mean my father, Lord Henry Kingston and my mother, Lady Kikyo Mizaki-

"Your mother was Kikyo Mizaki?" Sota asked me.

I turned around, annoyed that he had read my thoughts.

"You know, it isn't polite to eaves drop on other people's minds." I told him.

"I asked you if your mother was Kikyo Mizaki."

"Why does it matter?"

"Just answer me."

"Yes."

"Then you must come with me." Sota said as he grabbed my arm.

I pulled back.

"Why, why should I come with you?"

"Look Trunks, you are in danger here. You must come with me. I know where you will be safe."

Sota grabbed my arm, but I pulled it away. Then he threw me over his shoulder, and started to run. In seconds we were in the demon forest. A few minutes later we reached the outskirts of a small village. Once in the center of town he put me down. I looked at him, infuriated.

"Why did you do that?" I asked angrily.

"Be quiet and follow me." Sota replied and took my arm. He pulled me to a large building. We went inside but before that I heard townspeople, who had gathered when they arrived, whispering about how a human was in their town.

Once inside the building Sota led me to a large chamber, as big as a ballroom. Inside of the chamber was an elderly woman surrounded by about six middle-aged men. Sota led me right up to them and addressed the old woman.

"My lady, I have found the Chosen One." He announced to her.

"You have Sota?" The old woman asked as she got up and started to walk around me.

"Yes my lady, the daughter of the Princess Kikyo."

"Wait a minute, my mother wasn't a princess." I interrupted. "She was a-"

"Quiet girl!" One of the men said. "Do not speak unless spoken to."

"Ah yes, you are right Sota, this is Kikyo's daughter." the old woman acknowledged. "She has the same fiery eyes, the same figure."

The men all started mumbling and then one spoke.

"My lady, this must be the sign. This girl must find the Jeweled Orb."

"Wait a minute, I-"

"Yes she must," The old lady cut me off. "But she is too young to go by herself. Saizo, summon the best warriors."

"Yes my lady." A man said, stood and quickly walked out of the room. Then the old woman looked at me.

"What is your name child?"

"Lady Cecelia Kingston." I replied.

"Pray tell me, how long have you been on this island?"

"A couple weeks."

"And where is your mother?"

"She died when I was three."

"How old are you now?"

"Fifteen."

"Well child, you must undertake a great mission, do you think you can do it?"

"I'll try."

"You must try your best child, because if you don't then the whole world will be in ruins. Sota, you will accompany her."

"Of course my lady." Sota replied and led me from the room.

I couldn't help but wonder.

What have I gotten myself into? I mean, I don't even know these people, and this boy's a demon. I've always been warned never to speak with demons. And I-

"You'll do just fine." Sota interrupted my thoughts. "You are the daughter of Princess Kikyo after all."

"Why do you keep calling my mother a princess?"

"Because she was. In fact she was the most beautiful princess this island has ever seen. She was known far and wide for her beauty, and her power."

"What do you mean her power?"

"Princess Kikyo was a demon."

"What?!"

"Your mother was a demon."

"That makes me demon?"

"The term is half breed. You're half demon, half human."

"How come I've never been able to tell I'm demon?"

"You've never had to fight with your life on the line."

"If that's true than you must be a demon. I saw you change from a fox into a human."

"I'm a fox demon, we have the power to change into whatever form we want to. Now I believe we should check on your troops."

With that Sota led me to a courtyard. In it were two men. Both looked very strange. There was one with short brown hair, tanned skin, a brown tail, and wore a white shirt, red pants and a red jacket. The second one had silver hair that stopped at his shoulders, tanned skin, and wore a black hamaka and a black jacket. He also had a strange bandage on his arm that had prayer beads wrapped around it. The two of them seemed to be staring at me.

"Well gentleman, this is Trunks." Sota introduced me. "This is Okita, a wolf demon." He pointed to the one with a tail. "And that is Saske." He pointed to the one with silver hair. "Now that the introductions are over lets get going."

We all headed up the trails. After several miles Saske spotted something.

"Over there." He said, pointing toward a large rock slab.

As we got to it everyone looked at me.

"Well, aren't you going to read it half breed?" Okita growled.

"What are you talking about?" I asked confused.

"Read the inscription." He said sharply.

I looked at the stone, and tried to decipher the strange wording but couldn't.

"I can't. I've never seen this writing before."

"Trunks," Sota said, "You can read it, even if you've never seen it before. It was written so you could. Now try harder."

I looked at the stone again. Suddenly something clicked, and I could read it.

"It says that the Jeweled Orb is in a place that cannot be found unless you know where it is." I told them.

"Well then let's go." Saske said.

"Wait a minute. You know where it is?" I asked.

"Of course we do half-breed." Okita snarled.

"Lets get going." Sota said.

We hiked up the mountain. During a rest I couldn't help but notice Okita staring at me. For some reason, he gave me the creeps.

"Why are you staring at me?" I asked him.

"None of your business half-breed." He replied harshly.

"Why do you keep calling me that?"

"Because that is what you are."

"My name isn't half-breed. It's Trunks."

"I still can't believe that the Princess Kikyo would have fallen in love with a human. They are a repulsive breed after all."

"Humans are not repulsive. It is you demons that are. Never bathing, and you eat raw meat."

"Your mother was a demon."

"No, she was not. She was a human, and a well respected lady."

"Humph. Your mother was just the same as the rest of us. She lived like we do. Kikyo was one of the most famous demons because she didn't mind living alone in the woods for weeks on end. Everything you consider repulsive, your mother did. It wasn't very often that she bathed, and every night she ate raw meat."

"I don't believe you."

"Believe what you want. I only speak the truth."

"Liar."

I refused to look at Okita after that. I kept my eyes on the sky. When it was time to move on I stayed as far away from him as I could.

Night soon fell and we made camp. I was horrified to find out that I had to sleep on the ground.

Ok, let's pause for a moment, just so I can give you some background information. First, I've never slept in anything except a bed with silk sheets, a pillow, and a large comforter. Second, Okita is a wolf demon, Saske is a wind sorcerer. My mother, Princess Kikyo was an ice apparition.

All right, now Okita. He is this stuck up guy, but that's because he doesn't like half-breeds, and I'm a half-breed. In his eyes, being a half-breed is shameful. He thinks that half-breeds aren't useful, they're too weak to battle demons, yet too strong to be normal humans. In plain terms, half-breed = bad, demon = good, human = worthless. Now, back to the story.

I lay down on the hard ground and wished that I were back in my room at the manor. My stomach growled, I had refused all of the demon's food. I couldn't have eaten it if I tried, it was just too barbaric.

Oh, what is going on? What is going to happen to me? What am I doing by trusting these demons? I have no proof that they won't hurt me. For all I know they'll probably just kill me.

"You're wrong Trunks." Sota said, as he looked up at the stars.

I looked at him.

"What?" I asked.

"We won't hurt you. You're wrong Trunks."

"What do you mean I'm wrong?"

"You think that we don't care about you, but we do."

"That's a lie."

"No, it isn't."

"Prove it."

"Look, I know that Okita hasn't been very friendly, or the rest of our people that welcoming, but we just expect so much."

"What do you mean?"

"Your mother, Princess Kikyo, was a powerful demon. It was rumored she killed a thousand demons. On top of that she was wise, and beautiful. All of us expect you to be the same."

"What about Okita? It's obvious that he doesn't like me."

"Now that's where it gets complicated."

"Complicated?"

"Well, before Princess Kikyo was kidnapped by humans, she and Okita were in love. Okita was heart broken when she left. Ever since, he's been cold and bitter. Now, seeing you, Princess Kikyo's daughter, makes him even colder. To him, you could have been his daughter. It's like being robbed of what you value most.

Before Princess Kikyo left, he was happy. The two of them had a future together. They even went so far as to talk about kids. Okita always wanted to be a father. To him, it was a dream come true to live with his love and have a family. Imagine your whole future being destroyed in one day. Now, seeing you is a hard blow for him. He knows that Kikyo never loved your father. He forced her to marry him, and to bear his child. In truth, Okita is just a man who was robbed of happiness, and lost his future because of humans. That's why he hates them, and you so much, because humans robbed him of his only true love."

"That's not true, my father never forced my mother to marry him."

"Why do you think your mother died? He poisoned her."

"You're lying! You're trying to turn me against my father. It's not going to work."

"What you believe is your business Trunks, I'm only telling you the truth. Now I suggest you go to sleep. We're going to have a long day tomorrow."

With that, Sota rolled over and went to sleep. I lay there for hours, thinking.

What if what Sota says is true? What if Father really did force Mother to marry him? And then he killed her. But, why would he do that? He told me himself that he loved her. What if that was a lie though?

And what about Okita? Is it true that he and Mother were in love? Oh why do I care? It doesn't matter now.

I looked up at the stars and sighed. Then I rolled over and fell asleep.

The next morning I awoke to a large Irish setter staring at me. I sat up and rubbed my sleepy eyes. Looking around I saw that no one was there. It was the same campsite; by there was no evidence that any one else had been there. Confused I looked at the Irish setter. It was rust red and had big brown eyes.

Standing up, I stretched out. Then I looked down at the dog. It wagged its tail and barked. Smiling, I patted its head. The Setter then turned and ran off a little. Looking back, it barked, as if telling me to follow it.

"Why not," I muttered, "as if I have a choice."

I followed the Setter up the mountainside. We hiked for about an hour, and then we came to the mouth of a large cave. The Setter stopped just inside the mouth, waiting for me to enter. Looking at the Setter and then into the cave I thought I must have been going crazy.

"You want me to go in there?" I asked the setter.

In response the Setter barked and wagged its tail.

"You've got to be kidding, there is no way I'm going in there." I told the Setter.

At that, the Setter came up to me and grabbed my sleeve. It dragged me into the cave. When it let go it looked at me with pleading eyes.

"Fine, but this place better be safe." I grumbled.

The Setter wagged its tail and went ahead of me. It started to run, and I struggled to keep up. Soon it was out of sight.

"Hey, where are you?" I asked.

I got no response. Looking around I could barely see anything. Knowing that I had no other choice, I walked forward.

As I followed the maze of passages, there was a light that kept getting brighter. When I reached the end of one passage, I saw a huge room before me. It was a chamber at least a hundred feet high, and at least two hundred feet across. There was a small hole in the ceiling that let in sunlight. It illuminated the room.

Inside the room was a large stone with a sword embedded in it. The hilt of the sword was woven brown and black leather, while the blade was in perfect condition. It shone as if it had just been cleaned. Then an evil laughter filled the room.

I spun around and came face to face with a creature at least seven feet tall. Its body was covered by animal fur. The face was that of a human, with a long brown beard.

"Hello." It said.

I took a step back.

"What do you want?" I asked it.

"Well, I came here for the sword, but I think I'll have a little snack too." It licked its lips.

"A snack." I gulped.

"Humans are my favorite food of all. I will devour you, and then take the legendary sword."

"Legendary sword? You mean the sword over there? What's so special about it?"

"That sword was used by the Princess Kikyo. It is said that that sword can kill a thousand demons in one swing."

"Why would you want a sword like that? I mean, you are already such a strong demon. Why need the sword?" I stalled, hoping that he would forget about eating me.

"You insult me child. For that I will devour you." It screamed as it tried to grab me.

I got out of the way just in time. It wasn't so easily put down, and came after me again. Again I dodged it. My heart was thumping in my chest. I couldn't think, I acted on instinct alone, and my instinct was telling me to get the sword. So I ran over to the sword and pulled it out of the stone.

When it was pulled out of the stone, the sword glowed. Suddenly, I felt as if I had held the sword before. It seemed so natural. I looked at the creature, which decided to charge at me. Dodging its attack, I landed a few feet from it. Then I swung the sword.

As the sword sliced the creature, its body glowed and then disappeared in a flash of light. There was no blood anywhere. The chamber looked the same as it had before we had fought, except the sword was now in my hand.

Looking down at the sword, I could see that it was still glowing, but the glow was fading. Then I saw the sword's sheath next to the stone. I picked it up and put the sword in the sheath.

"The Harusame, so you're able to wield it after all." a familiar voice said behind me.

Surprised, I turned around and saw Sota, Okita, and Saske walking up behind me.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, "You mean you saw me fight?"

"Yes we did, and you did very good for your first time." Saske replied smiling.

"You mean you watched me fight that, that, thing and didn't even help me?" I looked at them infuriated.

"You weren't in any danger." Sota assured me. "Remember the Irish Setter?"

"That was you?" I looked at him.

"Wow, she does have a brain." Okita said sarcastically.

"Yes it was." Sota answered as he glared at Okita.

"Why didn't you help me?" I questions.

"We wanted to see if you could wield the Harusame." Saske told me.

"You mean this sword?" I held up the sheathed sword in my hands.

"Yes." Sota said.

"But why?" I asked.

"Saske, Okita, make sure we don't get any unwanted visitors." Sota told the other two, and they walked out of the chamber. "The Harusame was your Princess Kiyko's sword."

"Why me though, I'm sure other people could use it."

"No, you are the only one that can. You saw how it glowed, that only happens when its true owner holds it. The glow has only appeared for two people, Princess Kikyo, and you."

"I have one last question, what does Harusame mean?"

"It means spring rain. The sword was named like that because it was first used during a spring rain. Now if you come with me, we can get you ready."

"Ready for what?"

"For finding the Jeweled Orb. It is a guarantee that you will have to fight, and your dress is not the best thing to fight in."

Sota led me into a small room, just off the large chamber. Inside the room was a changing room, closet, cupboards, and a small table. The walls were stone, while the floor was a reed mat. Sota opened the closet and took out a white shirt, and a black hakima. He then handed them to me.

"Go and get changed." He said.

"What is this place?" I asked him as I entered the changing room.

"It's Princess Kikyo's hideout. She stayed here when she was preparing for battle or just wanted to be alone."

"How do you know about this place?"

"I've explored these caves many times and found this room several years ago."

When I came out of the dressing room I looked at a full-length mirror on a wall. The image of a warrior stared back at me. My hair that normally was in a bun was in a low ponytail, the black hakama went down to my ankles, and the white shirt topped off the outfit. Then Sota gave me the Harusame, and I tucked it in the hakama.

"You look just like the Princess." Sota said behind me.

I could see him in the reflection; on his face was a look of surprise.

"What is it?" I asked him.

"It's just, you look just like the Princess." He replied and then shook his head. "We must get going. There are probably hundreds of demons after the Jeweled Orb, and we must get to it before they do."

Sota led me out of the cave. Outside we met Saske and Okita. I noticed Okita staring at me and I ignored him. We set off up the mountain. After an hour of traveling we reached a clump of trees. There, Sota led us between them and into a cavern. Inside, we followed him through the maze of passages.

Finally, we reached a large chamber. It was illuminated by holes in the ceiling, but the main source of light was an orb the size of a cricket ball. The orb was made of solid gold. It was covered with all sorts of jewels.

"The Jeweled Orb." Saske whispered under his breath.

Suddenly, the orb disappeared.

"Oh no you don't." Okita said.

He grabbed an arrow out of his quiver and put it on his bow. When he let go of the string, the bow flew in the air, and glowed yellow. It hit a small spider like creature on the ceiling. The spider dropped the orb.

Then a large ape like creature caught the orb before it hit the ground. Suddenly, ape like creatures surrounded us. The creatures all had different types of weapons.

"Get ready." Sota said as he crouched into fighting position. "Now!"

Sota, Okita, and Saske started fighting the ape like creatures around them. I looked up and saw the ape with the orb. He climbed down and watched his henchman fight the others. Drawing my sword, I head for him.

He saw me, and avoided my first attack. Then I came back and again he dodged. This went on for what seemed like hours. Finally, he trip on his big feet and I took the opportunity and slashed him. He disappeared in a flash of light. The Jeweled Orb fell to the floor. I picked it up.

All of a sudden it glowed. Then all I could see was a bright light that blinded me. When the light went away I realized that I was back in my room at the manor, with the Jeweled Orb in my hand.

Shaking my head I tried to figure out what just happened. Ok, I was just in that cavern with Sota, Saske, and Okita and now I'm in my room. What's up with that? And why do I have the Jeweled Orb?

Then the door to my room opened. My father walked in.

"Cecelia!" He said as he ran in.

He hugged me, and then he saw the Jeweled Orb.

"What in heaven's name is that?" He asked.

"Father." I held it away from him.

"Oh Cecelia." He sighed. "I'm sorry, but you've found out."

He drew a knife. I reached for the Harusame. It wasn't there.

"Oh no." I whispered as I backed against the wall.

Father walked toward me with the knife held in front of him.

"Stay away from her."

I looked behind my father.

"Sota!" I yelled as I saw Sota.

"Who the devil are you?" Father asked him.

"We are the ones who are going to take back the Princess." Okita told him.

"Demons." My Father snarled. "I should have known. Kikyo's friends I bet."

"Leave her alone." Saske said as he undid the rosary beads on his left arm.

"Why should I?" Father challenged.

"I warned you." Saske told him as he took off the rosary beads.

All of a sudden there was a wind sucking everything into Saske's hand. In seconds Father was gone and Saske was putting the rosary beads back on his hand.

"Half-breed." Okita said. "You still have the orb?"

"Yeah." I replied.

"Well then. Let's get back to the village. Trunks, you can stay with us. I'm sure the villagers won't mind having Princess Kiyko's daughter live with them." Sota said.

I smiled and followed them out of the room. A new life and new adventures. I can't wait.