Aokigahara, which is also known as the Sea of Trees, and Japan’s Demon Forest, lies at the base of Mt. Fuji. Kyo has heard many stories of this place, most of which include demon sightings and death. Though there are the few that are only about just how quiet this forest is. All these stories peaked his interest and made him want to visit the area in person. So after some preparing, which only entailed putting on his kimono and hooking his crystalline katana to his hip, and a trip to a rather crazy cobbit, name Data, to use his instant transmission device, he found himself right on the outskirts of Aokigahara.

Kyo took a moment to look around and take in his surroundings. The sun was high above, shinning down on the trees of Aokigahara, not that you could really tell once into the forest. It was so thick that most of the forest was dark and some spots were completely pitch black. Even this didn’t turn him away from the want to explore some. The stories of the silence were true, even on the outskirts he really only heard the sound of the wind that pushed past all the trees. Just as he turned to head into the Sea of Trees, he heard footsteps and the sounds of men talking. Quickly he let out his claws and climbed up a nearby tree. High up in the tree he watched as four men walked out of the forest, each of them carrying what seemed to be a rifle. He listened closely, curiously wondering what they were talking about. “I’m surprised the beast is real.” One of the men stated. “I’m surprised you actually hit it.” Replied another with a laugh, at which they all began to laugh. Kyo continued to watch as they walked off, waiting for them to get a good distance away before hopping down from the tree and looking into the forest. I wonder what this beast is that they spoke of. He thought to himself as he started off into the trees, wondering if the beast they were talking about was just a creature like himself. As he delved deeper into the forest, following prints the careless men left, he started to feel a slight presence. It was a strange feeling, as if something was calling out to him, without directly calling to him. He stopped, nose twitching a little as he catches an unfamiliar scent. As he peered off into the darkness he noticed a faint glow amongst a bunch of tangled tree roots. Cautiously Kyo moved closer until he finally laid eyes on what he assumed was the men were calling a beast. It looked to be a feral type creature, one that he had never seen before. The creature was very large and looked as though it was a dragon but with fur. Kyo then noticed the creatures few bullet wounds on its side, as well as its shallow breathing. He moved closer, kneeling next to large being as he whispered to it. “If you can hear me, I am not here to hurt you, only to help you.” The creature let out a small grumble as its eyes opened slightly, its gaze meeting Kyo’s as a slight nod was given to show it understood. Kyo leaned in, letting his claws fully extend and carefully reaching into each of the holes on the creature’s side and digging out all the bullets. As he dug into the creature’s body it let out a loud howl, which was so eerily deep and made Kyo shudder slightly. He ran his free paw against the fur of the large being, trying to sooth it as he dug out the last of the bullets. Then he pulled a little mortar and pestle, which were made from a more dense type of the very same crystals that grew from his body, out of his kimono and sat them at his side. The creature slightly opened its eyes once again just as Kyo grabbed onto one of the crystals protruding from his horns, took a deep breath and snapped a piece off with a slight wince. The creature widened its eyes, wondering why this guy would put himself in pain to pull off a part of own body. Kyo then picked the mortar back up, placing the crystal in it, and then he took the pestle and began to crush the crystal up. Once it was all crushed up to almost a dust, he brought it up close to his maw as a thick, purple glowing liquid started to flow out into the mortar. After a moment, he mixed the crystal dust and the liquid till it was like a paste and covered the creature’s wounds with it, which quickly started to crystalize as Kyo gently ran his paw through its fur once again and the large creature drifted off to sleep. He smiled softly as he moved over to lean against a tree, placing his katana across his lap, and watching over the sleeping creature.

Kyo’s eyes snapped open. I must have fallen asleep. He thought to himself as his eyes began to focus on his surroundings. That’s when he noticed the creature; it was sitting before him, so tall even though it was sitting. He looked up to meet the creature’s eyes, a slight look of wonder showing on Kyo’s face as he took in the sight. Finally it spoke, its voice deep, and seemed to echo all around as it pierced the silence of the forest. “I thank you little one.” A slight smirk crossed his muzzle as he continued. “I’ve been through many ordeals in my time, though I am not to certain that I would have made it through this one without your assistance. I am forever indebted to you.” Kyo continued to look in awe as he listened to the deep, and yet smooth, voice of the creature. “My name is Yami.” He said as he lowered his head slightly for a moment. “Might I know the name of my savior?” Kyo gave a slight nod as he responded. “My name is Kyo, Kyo Knightly. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

After that, and chatting for a little while to get to know one another, Kyo made a point to make a trip to Aokigahara and visit with Yami, exchanging stories here and there. Something that Kyo would always bring to their little meetings was a basket, which contained food and drink for them both. Only thing different between what was for Kyo and what was for Yami was that all of Kyo’s snacks and drink were made from ores and crystals, whereas the stuff for Yami was actual organic food and tea. These visits continued on for about a year, until one day just as Kyo began to head back, Yami stopped him. “I have grown very fond of being around you.” Yami said. “I would very much like to accompany you from now on, if you would have me that is.” Kyo turned to him, a little caught off guard. “I do a lot of traveling, and if you follow to my own world, you know you would be the only one of your kind there. Are you alright with that?” Yami smiled as he gave a nod. “Yes, I have no problem with that. Let us go forth and conquer.” He said as a joke. Kyo smiled and gave a nod before setting off with Yami. “Yes, let us.”