Ketone Descendants

By Emily Barratt

It began with a Ten-tailed monster, created by witchcraft and magic and spanned 200 years. Epic battles had been waged, won and lost. Murder and intrigue was everywhere and witches and demons coveted the power of the Ketone. The witches were awed by the creatures power. Its ten tails held the power of nine other animals, a lizard for the first tail, a phoenix on the second tail. With an owl for the third, a lemur at the fourth. The furious power of the ox was the fifth. The dark heart of the wolf sat at the sixth and at the seventh tail sat the eagle. The self-centred but kind cat was the eighth and finally, the cunning but honest fox at the ninth. These combined powers made the perfect weapon.

Book 4 of the Ketone series closes the loop in the 200 year history of the Ketone and Ketonia as it races to the final chapter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: Nov 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490701752

Book preview

Copyright 2013 Emily Barratt.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-0173-8 (SC)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-0174-5 (HC)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-0175-2 (E)

Trafford rev. 09/16/2013

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CONTENTS

The Underworld The Serpent Oracle

Prologue Born as Twins

PART ONE

JEFF AND WIND

The Three-Tailed Hawk

The Lullaby

The Body of a Hawk

Strategies

Flight and Fight

A Test of Liquor

A Special Favour

PART TWO

LUCINDA AND SPIRIT

The Mute Noble

In Your Arms Is Safety

The Clouded Heavens

Hilltop Farm

A Ketona’s Heart

Confrontation in Combat

A Surprise

Murder

Luci’s Fate

An Audience

PART THREE

KASAI AND FIRE

Ketona Island

The Mad Boy Sane

A Puppet on Strings

Jasper’s Voice

Hide-and-Seek

Ambush

Chains

Healing the Silent Curse

Kisses and Scars

To Battle

Ketona Blood

It’s All Over

PART FOUR

KNOWLEDGE, FRIENDSHIP,

FAMILY, AND SORROW

Yami Knowledge

Royce And Rachelle Friendship

Kasai Family

Lutalo Sorrow

Bonus Chapter! History Has Been Recovered!

Acknowledgements!

Songs!

Theme Songs!

Thank-You Note

THE UNDERWORLD

The Serpent Oracle

As Prince of the Underworld, Royce had many privileges and one of those was digging through ancient books in the palace library. Unlike most Royals, Royce resembled more a demon than his twin sister Rachelle, who looked more like an angel. With his green skin, clawed fingers and elegant black tail, not many demons in the Underworld realised he was a Prince, much less a Ketone, the legendary tailed beats which once ruled most of the Otherworld.

He continued to dig thoroughly through the endless piles of books. Rachelle, he called loudly in the library, have you found anything yet?

Not a thing, and stop yelling! Rachelle snapped, her head appearing from the bookshelf in front of him. We’ll get booted out if we keep on yelling like this. What about you? Anything?

Not even a letter about it.

Recently, Rachelle had developed an interest in the past. Years and years ago, a massive chunk of history was scrambled until it no longer made sense. With extra-special permission from the High Council, Rachelle had looked through the history books to figure out if anything worth noting had been recorded in the library. Unfortunately, the only history available was King Darren’s perspective of things: that Ketone were nothing but horrid scum who needed—and deserved—to be erased from the Otherworld.

Royce soon had the idea to search the library for information. Their father had approved of the idea and allowed them to look through the library. He was the king, after all; he was able to command anyone to do his will.

What if nothing was recorded because nothing was set in stone? Royce offered.

Rachelle shook her head. "There had to be something, Royce. How could that much history be so messed up? Surely someone knows the whole story."

What about that whacked-up demon? The one who told me that I’d get a killer bruise on my foot?

First of all, Rachelle said with a sigh, you stepped on a nail. Second, how would she know anything about what we’re looking for? She wasn’t around then, right?

Well, all old demons were, Royce muttered. He peered out the window overlooking the Underworld. Why don’t we go check it out? The old man wouldn’t mind if we went for a walk around the castle, right?

Probably not; let’s go.

As the two walked towards the door, a familiar purple-headed king of the Underworld appeared in the doorway, sticking to the roof. He sat there, staring at them both, his face full of chicken. And where are you two going? Yami asked, the black rings around his eyes arched in alignment with his eyebrows. You’re not leaving the palace, are you?

Well, yeah, we’re ‘researching’. Royce made air-quotes. You know the history about the six-tailed wolf, the nine-tailed fox, and the two-tailed phoenix, right? How they all had kids and something went totally wrong in one of their heads?

Well, obviously it was Darren’s head, Yami said, still hanging from the roof. Then the seven-tailed beast killed him. In other words, your old man killed him. Then he came here and took over as king. So you know the history.

Rachelle scratched her head. Well, we know nothing about the phoenix’s son or his wife, the Ketona of Life. So…

Yami sighed and flipped down, his torn coat flapping about. Come on then. We’ll go visit the Oracle.

The Oracle demon lived in the northwest tower of the palace. She hardly ever left, unless she needed food. She had the lower body of a snake, and a scaly back and snake scales covered her chest. Her face was ancient. She was probably the same age as Yami’s father.

She sat on her cushion and lowered her cup of tea. I was aware of your arrival, Prince and Princess. Boy, I do not wish for your presence. Please wait outside.

Yami sighed and turned around, pulling out a lollipop. The pretty door closed behind him.

The Oracle turned her elegant head back to Royce and Rachelle and blinked. She smiled and gestured in front of her. I couldn’t help but overhear that you wish to research the history before your time, yet after the original Ketone. So, I hold the book with me.

If you don’t mind my asking, Rachelle said quietly, why do you have that book?

When the Spirit Teller was queen of the Underworld, she entrusted the book to me. And the king agreed to this, so I have protected it. But now I believe I can entrust it to you, Princess Rachelle. But let me tell the story to you, for I have much time on my hands.

She opened the book and ran her clawed fingers over the yellowing pages. It has been many years since this book has been opened. Her essence still remains.

Royce’s ears and tail twitched with impatience. Please continue.

My apologies. Let us begin. And with that, she began to read: Many years ago, Rachel Fern and Blake Green were expecting twins…

PROLOGUE

Born as Twins

Do you truly believe they will be like us? Rachel asked nervously. She sat across from her husband, smiling gently. Her crimson eyes glittered, no longer full of grief and pain. They were full of life and joy, something her husband had not seen in many years. It had been so long since they’d left their lives in the Second World and come to this world—the Otherworld.

Blake smiled and put his hand on the woman’s swollen belly. It was huge; the children inside her were the size of normal babies.

Her eyes widened. One’s kicking! She always got excited when her children kicked.

They will be good at combat, huh?

Yes!

Rachel, don’t get your hopes up. The doctor said one was physically weaker than the other, though he was unable to decide what they are.

Rachel smiled sheepishly and rubbed her belly. They are so strong…

Yes; that they are. I’m unsure of how they will grow up, though. I don’t know if they will have Ketone of their own or if they will not. And what of my mother’s power?

Do you think they might inherit such a dangerous power? I won’t allow it; they cannot whatsoever. She killed my mother with that power and nearly killed you, me, and Samuel. Rachel’s eyes shimmered with tears. That heartless woman…

Rachel, calm down. She’s long-dead now. He smiled gently. And the blade is sealed away at the shrine atop the hill. No one but I can undo the seal.

Blake, I’m still afraid.

Of what? Blake’s voice was calm. It hadn’t shaken since he’d realised Rachel was having twins, but now it shook slightly. What makes you afraid?

That… that she might come back. I’ve been having nightmares for so long; it’s been haunting me ever since…

Ever since we left?

Since… since you used the sword.

Blake narrowed his eyes. He could not remember a thing that had happened when he used the Ketone Blade against the Spirit Teller, his mother. Inside him, the fox stirred. He put a hand to his stomach and sighed. I never asked… but what did I look like? Blake eyed Rachel cautiously. She refused to meet his eye. Please tell me.

You weren’t a monster, precisely. You could never look like a monster to me. But there was a feral look in your eyes, as if the fox had possessed your body like a demon. But I could see so much sadness in them. I could see you fighting it, the impulse to attack. I guess the instinct was too strong.

Blake nodded slightly and lifted his head. A figure stood by the front gate of their home, grinning as he made his way through the small pathway towards Blake.

Behind him, a woman holding a two-month-old baby in her arms stood. It’s lovely to see you this morning, Rachel!

Samuel! Rachel cried, smiling. Clarissa! Are you here for breakfast? Blake’s cooking eggs from the farm just outside the village. Would you like to help?

Of course. Clarissa replied, handing the small infant to Rachel. I’ll be out in a jiffy with some fresh eggs.

Samuel sat down, gently taking the baby away from Rachel. And how is little Jeff this morning?

Quite obviously Jeff couldn’t understand his father, so instead he loudly and opened his wide eyes.

Jeffery has grown a lot in two months, Blake remarked. The baby giggled loudly as Samuel tickled his toes. Blake then rested his palms on Rachel’s swollen belly and smiled. They’re kicking again.

That’s… not kicking.

Drip-drip-drip.

Rachel? Blake said uncertainly. Are you all right?

Clarissa was out in a flash. Not only is your stove broken, but Rachel’s water has broken as well. Come on; come with me.

Rachel groaned loudly. God help me! Oh, God, this is painful!

That quick? Samuel gasped, instantly picking up Jeff and scooping him under one arm. Blake, get some towels! And her suitcase—they’re coming!

What? Blake’s voice raised a few octaves. Now? They aren’t due for another fourteen days!

"Get me my damn towels, Blake Green, or I swear to Karma you will pay!" Rachel’s voice was suddenly extremely deep and furious. Her eyes were bright crimson and dangerous.

Blake flinched and nodded. Right away.

Inside the shrine, Rachel screamed. It hurts so much!

Blake tightly held her hand, or rather, Rachel practically broke his fingers. The priest chanted lowly. Why are you chanting? Just help Rachel!

I’m the one helping Rachel give birth to the twins, Clarissa said impatiently. "Come on, Rachel. Breeeaaathe. Like we practised, okay?"

Rachel somehow managed to control her breathing. Several of Blake’s knuckles cracked under the pressure of her squeezing.

R-Rachel, he cried. I think you’re breaking my fingers.

Shut up! Rachel screamed. I’m concentrating! No, no, don’t argue with me! I can do this on my own!

Who’s she talking to? Samuel asked.

The wolf, Clarissa whispered. I can hear the whole conversation. It seems the seal trapping the beast inside has weakened somewhat. But I’ll keep that as strong as I can. For now, you need to give Rachel as much support as she needs. These two aren’t going to come easy.

As Rachel continued to scream openly and not in her mind, Blake’s fingers continued to crack. On and on the day dragged, Rachel’s screaming becoming showered with the worst words imaginable. Samuel left half an hour into the labour; he couldn’t stand the swearing any longer, though he normally did the same thing when he was travelling the country (his was a highly stressful job, being a merchant).

Blake’s fingers were now slightly bruised. It was nearing sunset when the first child finally arrived: a small boy.

Rachel sighed with relief, and the second child came just as quickly. All the pain was gone in an instant.

Blake rubbed his hand and then looked at the two infants squirming about.

Clarissa smiled and picked up the children. Will you do the honours, Blake?

Of—of course, Blake whispered and cut the cords connecting the twins to Rachel. He cradled them in his arms and looked down at Rachel. Are you all right?

Rachel inhaled and exhaled, smiling. Her body was plastered with sweat. She wore a light coat, and her hair flew about in the dull wind that blew through the shrine.

Samuel clicked his fingers and flames appeared in the torches, brightening the room. What do you want to name them?

First—what are they? Rachel asked quietly, still breathing heavily. She lifted her left arm, and the mark pulsed slightly. It’s weakening…

I’ll strengthen it again, Clarissa whispered and lifted her palms. She chanted something, and the mark stopped pulsing.

Eventually Rachel smiled and sighed. They’re both boys… right?

The second-born is a girl, Rachel.

Lucinda. And the other one?

A boy.

You name him, Rachel whispered. He’s your baby boy, after all.

Darren, Blake whispered, holding the small boy in his arms. Lucinda… she’s so small…

The girl is smaller, but that is expected since she is younger, Rachel whispered. When will they be able to go home?

Just as soon as they are washed and dressed. Then they are yours. Clarissa smiled and gave one of the babies to Samuel. Take one, darling. Help me wash them off.

"The twins have arrived . . . terrific, she murmured. One is no different from the other on the outside, but on the inside . . . well, they shall find out soon enough."

But, Mistress, what of them? They are your son’s brethren, yes, but—

One has my power! She lifted an arm. One will fulfil its purpose and create a world of eternal darkness and perfection! The other will die along with the other Ketone and the humans! She began to laugh. My body may have died, but my soul is eternal! I cannot die!

The creatures shifting in the darkness shrank against her power.

They will all fall to my power! They will shrink at the very mention of my name! I will not die so easily!

PART ONE

Jeff and Wind

1

The Three-Tailed Hawk

Jeff followed the flute’s music. That’s how he always found Luci (it was pronounced Lucy, but her mother had spelt it differently). Luci had received the flute for her tenth birthday and was always found playing it somewhere. It was strange. Luci’s hair was short all around, other than one thick strand down the centre, which was long and elegant and in its usual plait. Her hair was always gently waving about, even if the wind was still.

Luci played soft tunes with her flute, eyes closed and concentrating.

All I have to do is throw a rock, he thought. He picked a perfect-sized rock and aimed. If I can just hit that branch beside her head . . .

He threw, and Luci opened her eyes. She struck the rock with her flute and caught it as it landed in her hand. Your aim is good, but you’re not very good at hitting your target, are you?

I was actually aiming at the tree, anyway. And you saw where it was before you even opened your eyes. Your ma would be impressed.

Luci smiled, putting the flute in her satchel. Jeff, how’s your father doing? I haven’t seen you since you left for the fire country two months ago. It’s good to see you. Luci jumped from the rock and hugged him tightly. I missed you.

Jeff hugged Luci with warmth. My father has recovered somewhat. But he’s still drinking a lot of… spirits.

Oh. Luci rubbed her head, and her plait flicked around. Mother is being stubborn. Ever since I got my mark, they’ve been wondering about Darren.

Why? And when did you get your mark, anyway? I got mine when I was ten.

Luci looked away and sighed. I’m sorry about your mother; she was a good woman.

Jeff nodded. "Well, she did discover that I had inherited Ketone blood from my father and Ketona blood from my mother. And it was she who suggested you and Darren may have inherited your parents’ abilities as well. Where was she buried?"

In the shrine, underneath the blade. She was always swinging it around like a crazy person during the plays, remember? Luci smiled at the memory.

Jeff sighed and looked up at the shrine, which rested on top of the hill. Luci followed his gaze. Did you wanna visit this early in the morning? Luci asked, frowning in concern. If you don’t, it’s fine; that’s all I’m saying.

Jeff shook his head. No, I want to go. I haven’t seen it since I left. But only as long as my father doesn’t find out I went. He hates going there, says it brings back painful memories.

And drinking is helping?

Jeff laughed. Luci always used sarcasm. She inherited that from her parents’ strength. But her twin brother, Darren, was like neither parent. He rebelled, he was unsociable, and he was far too sensible and strange. He had no sense of fighting and was constantly bullied for being so frail and weak (though he had excellent skill with swords, which begs the question why he was teased for being a weakling).

How is Darren?

The same. Not much has changed. But recently he’s been staying out ridiculously late. More than once I’ve had to go look for him, but he’s always getting into trouble in the village. It’s really ticking me off.

Really? That’s odd—though he’s always been a troublemaker, right?

Yeah. It’s not that different from before though. Luci pulled out her flute and wiped it. She lifted her left arm, a thin bandage covering the mark that symbolised the Ketone that had been born inside her. However, no one in the village was to know (they hadn’t bothered to keep the Ketone inside Jeff a secret, as his mother and father were well-known for being an odd match).

Luci sighed. He talks to me sometimes. In my head.

Really? Jeff smiled. So you’ve bonded already?

We were already bonded.

Bonding was the ritual in which the Ketone and the person holding the Ketone inside the body combined souls to become one. The two would be in perfect synch and the ultimate fighting machine. Having a link to each other’s minds was simply a plus to being bonded.

There were three in the Otherworld (not counting Jeff and Luci): Rachel Fern, Blake Green, and Jeff’s father, Samuel Gibson. Jeff Gibson was the son of both Ketone and Ketona blood. This meant he was incredibly strong physically and mentally.

Luci had only recently discovered her mark after Jeff’s mother died and was buried.

It was after you left that it appeared, Luci said, unwrapping the bandage around her arm. She showed Jeff the mark, which was unique to her.

Jeff didn’t know how to read it, but it most likely had something to do with her talent with her flute and sarcasm.

She said, I woke up from a nightmare and it was just there, glowing. Then I heard something talking to me—oh, and guess what else?

Your father offered to train you?

"My mother and father told me what was going on: ‘Hey, guess what? You inherited our power and we’re going to help you master it! Yaaaay!’"

Yep. Definitely music and sarcasm. Jeff laughed. They’re only being supportive, you know? My mother was too; Father was much… stricter with using my ability wisely.

Ability? Sure, you have a Ketone inside you too—but what special ability?

Well, you know how Mother was a Ketona, right? The Ketona of Light?

Sure, everyone in the village knows that; she protected us for years. Luci gestured to the shrine. And she used the Blade of Ketone to wipe out evil where it stood, though I’m starting to think, why only her? Normal humans could’ve been able to wield it, right? Just not our fathers and my mother. I’m just wondering why only your mother was able to wield it without hurting herself.

"Being a Ketona who was, well, ancient, Mother was the only person alive who could wield the blade correctly without sucking the life out of your parents and my father. Any other person would’ve been possessed by the spirits inside, so it makes sense why no one else bothered to even touch it."

Luci nodded slightly, a sign that she understood but refused to acknowledge facts. Sometime Jeff wondered how she got through school alive, seeing as she often used simple logic to figure out the trickiest questions.

Like that one time in history class…

So you’re telling me we went to the Second World to escape the danger?

Yes.

Well, why don’t they use magic anymore? Did they forget or something?

I suppose they would have forgotten…

So, in other words, they gave it up.

Jeff chuckled at the memory. So how is the village holding up without us?

Same as usual, I guess. Merchants are crawling through, kids sing nursery rhymes, and the markets are up and running now. It’s pretty good, but the martial arts school isn’t the same, not without your mum around anymore.

She had been there for more than a thousand years, Luci. Everyone’s ancestors knew who and what she was. And now she’s gone. How does that happen?

Ketona is what happens, Luci hissed. A Ketona is what happened that day. And on your birthday too, dammit.

Jeff winced. Luci was full of sarcasm and music, but her anger issues were another matter. She had inherited her mother’s attitude, which was probably a good thing, and her father’s intelligence, which was very good.

Darren was a whole different person. He’d inherited neither of his parents’ traits. Though the twins got along well, he was still the older sibling (even though it was by a minute and thirty seconds).

A slight breeze picked up, and Luci’s hair flew about. There’s a nice smell on the breeze, like kebabs roasting on a stick near the lake! Come on; everyone’s there! Luci took off like a jet.

Why don’t we head to your house first and get our swimming gear? Jeff suggested. That way we can see if your mum’s cooking.

She sucks at cooking, but we eat it anyway.

I think she broke my taste buds once.

Luci giggled as they jogged up to her home, a wooden cabin with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a toilet (of course), and a large room which shared the kitchen, dining room and the lounge room, complete with entertainment in the endless backyard of the forest surrounding the village. There’s a clearing about two kilometres north of my house, so Father and Mother set up a little training area for Darren and me. And Mother makes me meditate for hours during the night. It drives me insane, but I fall asleep really easily.

Luci opened the front door and found two legs leaning over the back of the couch. They swung back and forth as slight humming came.

Darren, I’m back!

The feet stopped swinging, and a head appeared. His head was covered in spiked black hair, though a few strands settled over his eyes in curly waves. He had a strong, masculine face and eyes that were an exquisite mix of green and red. The colours spiralled uniquely. ‘Sup, Luci? Who’s your friend?

Darren’s eyes settled on Jeff. Almost instantly, his oddly coloured eyes widened with happiness. Jeff! Good to see you again, buddy!

He jumped up from the couch. What’d you collect from the Fire Village this time?

Just some silver coins and some of these. Jeff lifted the shoulder bag around his neck and took out twenty silver coins and a small bunch of knives. To be perfectly honest, I think they ripped me off when I traded them that blade for these. I guessed they would suit me well, but I have no use for them. So they’re a gift to you, Darren.

Really? Darren took the three knives and fiddled with them. Thank you, Jeff. Did Luci tell you she learnt a new move a few days ago?

Luci flushed. It’s not that special, Darren.

It’s Ma’s signature move!

Is not! She just taught it to me, dimwit.

You stupid toad face. Ma told me herself that—

"Shut up! You hardly ever listen to Mother and Father anyway, so what would you know? And don’t call me a toad face!"

Toad face!

Dimwit!

Stinking halfwit!

Lakebed bug! Ugh! Luci snapped. Idiotic, moronic, stupid idiot!

Jeff cut in before the two could take their argument to the next level. Hey, hey, I thought you’d grown out of this two years ago. What happened?

Darren sat on the floor and crossed his legs and arms. Well, Ma and Pa are freaking out since I haven’t gotten a mark like Luci over there.

Luci harrumphed and wrapped her left arm in the bandage she was holding on to.

So I guess they think I haven’t gotten a Ketone in me, and Pa’s been on edge since then, so, yeah.

Luci sighed and tightened the bandage. "And no one can know, got it?"

You think I don’t know that? I got the full lecture from Ma and Pa right after you got the mark. Darren made a pose and put on his best imitation of their father. "‘You must never mention this to anyone, understood, Darren?’"

Luci and Jeff laughed loudly.

I’m sorry, but do my words seem to humour you?

They stopped instantly. Sorry, Father, Luci whispered, lowering her head.

Jeff got on his knees. We were… joking around.

The tall man standing before them was like a tower as they were on their knees. But at this stage, Blake Green wasn’t in the best of moods. I was coming back here to get some chicken for the roast down at the lake, but I see Jeff’s returned. Well, in any case, Darren, please take the chicken down to the lake. We’ll discuss your attitude problems later.

Darren snorted. You’re just putting on an act, Pops.

Blake sighed with defeat. I’m not good at acting scary, am I? Then he laughed and wrapped his strong arm around Jeff. "And I saw your father only a few minutes ago. He’s not drinking and that’s a sign, isn’t it? I hear you’re learning to fly too, though you’re afraid of heights."

I am not! Jeff snapped. Just because I have a three-tailed hawk doesn’t mean— He cut off suddenly.

Luci’s eyes widened with surprise. Three-tailed hawk? How did you figure that out? I only hear voices. Luci scratched her head in confusion. So how did you… how did you figure it out? Luci sat next to Darren, and they tilted their heads in perfect synch. It was quite funny to watch, really.

Well? they both demanded. Even Blake turned to face Jeff.

I was told about what lived inside me, not the other way around, Luci mumbled. Tell me, how did you figure it out?

"Common sense, I