Chapter 46. Baika

In the Mountainous region*

Five monks dressed in Buddhist robes were hiding behind rocks in a dark cave. Their backs pressed against the wall as their chests rose up and down in a rhythm. Though it was dark the group of boys signaled one another as if it didn't bother them. The cave consisted of stalagmites, rocks of all sizes, and oddly enough tree vines.

The vines dug through the rocky floor like it would in soil. The skin of the vines a pale yellow with strange patterns lining it. One of the kids was different. The same tan skin tone coupled with a barren head, but unlike his brothers his forehead had six dots on it. On his back was a staff with some rings on it.

"Baika, we tracked down the target to this locations."

"And our brothers?"

"They are waiting at the other location."

"Ahhhhh, Buddha had courage brothers, we must use the knowledge endowed to us to spread his teachings. Let us fight on brothers."

In unison all five said "Amitabha"

After their quiet pep talk, they moved deeper into the cave. The vines grew thicker and larger in number. A type of dull thuds and low impact noises continued to grow in frequency.

Two creatures identical in make to man stood at 10ft tall with an unsettling presence. The gray rocks grinded together from the torso, neck, limbs, and joints. A blue tinge lined the cracks across the body. All of the monks felt it, their imposing presence.

Danger a constant reminder blaring in all of their heads. However, all of them were ready, ready to fight.

Baika signaled to the rest as he pulled out his staff. The other monks pulled out talisman and threw them at the golems before rushing forth.

Baika himself waited as his brothers charged in. As the talisman landed on the golems their bodies got heavier and they moved slower.

All of the monks pulled out their weapons as they came into close combat with the golems.

Knowing the stone warriors were beyond them, they focused on the joints of the golems, steadily causing damage that couldn't be repaired in the short term.

The golems responded, but they were so slow that it was easy for the monks to zip around them. That did not mean that the golems were easy. When the golems swung or punched the ground, the air and earth itself shook.

'Buddha, please strengthen my brothers and I.' The monks had taken no damage whatsoever as the fight waged on. They moved with grace, every movement well trained and purposeful. Dust filled the air from the golems punching the floors or walls.

Baika waited until the blue color lining the golems turned red. Immediately after a shrill scream could be heard from the tree behind the golems. Each monk became even more on guard as the golems turned to each other and punched each other's fist with full power.

A blast so powerful each monk was shot back like a ball reverberated through the cave. Baika was behind a rock and that blast had cracked it. His brothers hurt but slowly getting up, it was time for him to move.

"Silent Touch, 21st sword style!!"

Baika had pulled on the ring at the very end of his staff and the opposite end lengthened and pushed a sword blade to the top. He now held a sword staff, holding it with one hand, Baika lunged with speed superior to his brothers and sent his weapon through two weak areas that the monks had caused on each of the golem's shoulders.

The golems hadn't even been able to respond before light burst from the areas where stabbed as they crumbled. Picking up two fist sized cores, Baika looked at his brothers with a smile.

"This is the first step brothers. We will gain the strength to eliminate the people who defile our sect."

All of the monks let out grunts in agreement. Turning, Baika saw an awkward looking tree that shook every so often.

Kneeling, Baika took out not only the cores of the golems but other earth and wood element cores. He then put them on a cauldron and poured two vials onto all of the cores while also pouring in several vials of his blood that had been prepared in advance and purified.

A greyish green liquid filled with orbs dancing around sat quietly in front of the tree.

The tree made strange sounds before a vine hastily took the cauldron, Baika was on his knees as he watched the tree take the cauldron to a sizable hole on the tree's side. A core became visible inside as it gurgled with joy as though accepting a tasty drink.

The cave became silent once the offering was done. Baika was on his knees with his eyes closed chanting, while the tree underwent an astonishing change.

Singing started to emit from the tree as the monks came forth stopping a few feet behind Baika, they sang as did Baika. The young man started to cast symbols at the tree as it shrunk and shrunk. The vines deep into the mountain returned as if being yanked. The tree vibrated as it dissipated into light.

All that was left was the stump that looked to be more like a cradle. Inside the cradle was a a little puppet the size of a hand, except it moved and behaved like an actual baby.

It cried and whined. It didn't have eyes, a mouth, ears, or a nose. The face was completely smooth but noise could be heard. It looked like it was the carved wooden replica of a baby. It's color a grey with green and blue lining and symbols.

Baika walked carefully before reaching the child and delicately touching it's forehead causing a rune to flash on the both of them. A new bond was established that day.