Brothers Folly

By Hailey House

Two brothers who get along about as well as cats and dogs will come to face romance, darkness and a mystery. These events lead an unexpected turn which will scar them for the rest of their lives.

Hailey House is a college student who is a longtime lover of the arts and reading stories. Having much passion for the fantasy world her surroundings fuel her imagination as characters come to life in her mind as she played in the woods along a river bank. Hailey pretty much lived in a fantasy world of her own. College has given her guidance to help sharpen her writing style and bringing her character's stories to life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Total Publishing
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781633022720

Hailey House

Hailey House is a college graduate of both NEO and KU with both her associates in Musical Theater. Along with her bachelor's degree in Theater and minor in Japanese. This pursuit for more knowledge had become a big influence in her writing abilities. Being a lover for the arts and reading stories since she was small, this made it easy for her to become close to the fantasy genre. From watching Disney along with Lord of the Rings to reading books like In the Coils of the Snake it can be stated that it had defiantly helped feed her passions for the fantasy world. Growing up in a small Oklahoma country town allowed room to fuel her imagination as characters came to life in her mind when she played in her backyard that was the woods and riverbank. She pretty much lived in a fantasy world of her own for many years without thinking of writing about it. She took a turn to writing in middle school as her classes started her on poems and short stories. It was in her lateryears of high school when she decided to bring her characters to the page on whim as she was attending Dry Gulch USA for the first time. Community college and University gave her guidance as well as challengedher while attending creative writing classes that helped sharpen her writing style. Working on this book for 9 years was not easy but because of the support of her friends and family this book is first step in opening the gates for more of this series and other stories to come to life.

Book preview

I.

Kokora

Kokora lived a life of constant trouble. He fought anyone who insulted him, and usually won. Now, it’s not as if he was seeking fights, trouble always came his way. He traveled from place to place trying to escape the trouble which hung over him, and to avoid his brother Kokoro in any way he could. One day he was running through the dense woods. It was a pleasant summer afternoon, a sweet breeze danced among the tree branches as the sky spreads her blue gown across the land with not a cloud to hide her delight. As the sun seeped through the leaves gaps rays from the sun enlighten the dark moss which covered the ground and crept along the trunks of the trees.

Man, I finally got away from them, Groaning while rubbing my neck that is still in pain from being whiplashed. Man it hurts. They almost had me this time. Okay, thinking back, it probably wasn’t the smartest move jumping into a hot spring while trying to fight four demons. Note to self: never go to the Hot Springs Caves to get away from an enemy. Though I wouldn’t have had to if they just left me alone in the first place. Gazing at my wrist the burn still stings from hitting the hot water. A noise somewhere between a groan and whine leaves my throat as my body sits down on the grass. I swear, can I get one day without a fight? One moment I am minding my own business and the next, one of those low lives picks a fight with me. I didn’t consider they might have had goons around. I can’t even imagine that low life leader calling himself a ‘Lord’ of some sort was true, I call bull for sure.

A heavy sigh releases the strain on my body. Is there any way I can be left alone?" I’ll just lay under this tree for a while. As long as I can remember it has always been like this, trying to get stronger with each passing battle. Always fighting, just so I can survive another day. I don’t know why I even do it anymore. Taking in a shallow breath my eyes close as my ears listen to the surroundings. The willows melody with its soft wind breeze playing among the leaves in the trees. My eyes waver opening to glance at the leaves dancing to the breeze’s music as the melody spreads throughout the forest area. The trees which tower the land look as though they are enjoying the song. I can hear the brook rippling as it stretches deep into the forest garments singing along. I bet the water glistens as the sun’s rays try to peek through the dancing leaves, just trying to catch a glimpse of the beauty down here. For once I can say it is peaceful, just for this moment in time. I can’t help but chuckle at this thought

Chink

Rustle

My body jolts fully awake jumping into the trees waiting for what seems to be coming this way. Well, that didn’t last long, as usual something always has to ruin it. By the strength of the scent the person is getting closer with each breath I take the scent keeps getting stronger. Probably someone wanting to try and kill me, again. Got to love this life of adventure, I guess. Though, there is an advantage with this accursed demon blood coursing through my veins, it is a big help enhancing my senses compared to that of a normal human. With each step this person shall be under my shadow soon. Sniffing the air, I find something odd… there is no foul aura of death or decay which most low life demons have. It smells more like freshly bloomed irises mixed with vanilla perfume. It actually smells, kind of nice.

Putting my hand down on the branch to lean in closer to see through the leaves to catch my opponent I am taken back as I spy her? A human girl underneath me, a smirk creeps upon my face seeing that she has no caretakers with her. I try to cast away my sight as my defense lessens, she is no threat to me. But for some reason my eyes won’t leave her. I can’t help noticing that her skin is pale for a human, even the moon would be ashamed to be by her. Her long, black hair reminds me of a pure night sky. Judging by her delicate features, especially her soft gold eyes, she must be of high class. With one graceful movement, her gaze reaches up into the trees.

Is someone there? If so, you shouldn’t hide. Her tone is soft, yet stern. Such a tone would make any youth to listen under her care. Thankfully, I am no youth. Leaning down the nearest limb I can’t help but snicker.

Who said I was hiding, wench. She looks right at me with a piercing glare. As she stands under me her aura becomes even more clear; The only one so prominent would be a Niko or at least one in training.

Why don’t you come down, demon?

The sarcastic laugh from my lips is not hidden from her in the slightest.

Why would I? … So you can kill me, wench?

Looking at her bow she gives a small sigh as though she has already lost interest. If you are no threat, why should I kill you? She raises an eyebrow. Am I wrong demon?

AH, quit calling me a demon Wench! the growl shakes in my throat. The only reason people think of calling me a demon is because of my longer life. I am not so low like my ancestors before me. These abilities only are available to me because of this a cursed blood that runs through my veins. Give me a break!

She knows how to piss me off and her expression says she’s proud of that fact. A soft smile sends a laugh to my ears, I can’t believe this, she is defiantly having fun annoying me. Then tell me your name, and I will tell you mine. She waits for me to speak as she holds back her giggling.

I can’t tell if she’s truly stupid, or just crazy. Either way, she’s definitely one of the most unique humans I have ever come across. It’s almost impossible to believe this woman is a Niko. She steps back a little when I jump down landing beside her. What? Scared of me now? Hah!

She shakes her head. I’ve seen more frightening demons than you.

She’s a gutsy one for sure. I’m Kokora. You have probably heard of me. Her sudden laughter takes me back a step. Hey! What’s so funny?

She looks at me with a soft smile. So you are the infamous demon who causes all the trouble then?

It takes me a second as her words sting me. I feel as though she hit me in the back of the head with a few limestone blocks. Turning away from her I feel my anger boiling. Look, it’s not that I like trouble. It just happens alright! The sharp growl from my voice usually scares anyone near me. I just hope it would have the same affect.

Unfortunately, no, instead I am met with her trying to hold back from laughing even harder. ..I have decided. She is crazy, not stupid, just crazy. Why are you laughing? finally asking, throwing my hands in the air.

How you act is very different than what I expected. That’s all.

What do you mean by that?! My annoyance is hitting its limit with this one.

Well, I thought you would be a little more, serious.

I AM being serious. The growling shakes the leaves above me, her calm laugh behind her hand has pulled the last straw of my patients. With a shake of my head, my foot turns hoping to be heading far away from this woman.

Kokora?

I stop hesitantly and slightly give a small glance at her. Yeah? What? Making my annoyance obvious.

My name is Mary, by the way.

I start to turn towards her but stop myself. That’s a pretty name, but I was not going to let her know that. HAH! - Whatever. With that, I walk off. As her scent disappears with each step leaving her behind, I can’t help but think of what had just transpired. It was quite an interesting encounter as a smile allows itself to form just a little dwelling on the conversation. I silently hope our paths cross again. She was crazy and intriguing, but mostly crazy.

Walking deeper into the forest that holds no trails is better than being in the wide open. My mood is already done with fighting, so this is the best route to avoid any more encounters. Going deeper I soon can hear the rippling brook as my feet grow nearer to the edge of the forest. The fresh clean water clothes the area around me. This forest is one of my favorite paths to take. Though she is old, she is beautiful with diversity and vibrant with life. Everywhere I look from the tall Oaks and Sycamores to the grass as green as the leaves of the pine. I can hardly see a shriveled-up tree or old life since it was always taken by the new. I can’t help but listen to her voice as I continue along her rooted paths.

Well isn’t this an unpleasant surprise?

Coming to a sudden halt the calmness of the forest quickly dissolves into a dark silence. There is only one cold annoying voice I know all too well. My smile hastily vanishes as I see whose dark shadowy figure stands in front of my path.

To say, you are actually happy would be ignorant. His icy tone drips with hatred from his tongue.

Sneering, my hands clench into fists as my anger spikes. Shut up Kokoro!!

As usual that stupid jackal doesn’t even blink. The forest air around us becomes tense.

Why are you even here, Kokoro? My eyes never waver from his glare.

It’s none of your business, mutt.

The low growl hides nothing from being already sick of his presence. Ya, damn right it isn’t. I can’t help rubbing my temple from the headache brought on just by talking with him this much. Look, I don’t care anyway. Just don’t cause me any trouble, Kokoro!

He raises an eyebrow and starts walking towards me. Instinctively my hand glides towards my sword, when he stops in front of me. What the hell? Why is he even here?

If you don’t want to die, then stay out of my way. There’s that icy glare again. It’s almost as if he’s trying to kill me from the inside out. Okay, Let’s think here … His territory is in the line of the forest. He might be here trying to get more land. But that demon that tried to kill me earlier-

No Freaking way he was actually telling the truth! … that low life was the ruler of this land after all. Ok, think, I slashed that lugs head in, making his aura disappear. So, his reign over this territory disappeared along with him. Meaning, this makes this territory free game…That’s it!

A sly smirk emerges shrugging my shoulders. Tck… why should I? You can’t kill me. Also, you probably felt it, by now. His eyes flicker with demonic energy. I hit the mark with this one. The demon who ruled this territory was just killed. I can’t hide the smirk of delight of this whole situation, it’s just all to good. This is going to piss him off big time! I’m afraid there is already a leader in this place.

…And who would that be Kokora? I can see this demon brother of mine getting antsy. Kokoro always hates to be out done.

You’re looking at him brother. Releasing my demonic energy through the roots of the earth it consumes the surrounding territory of the old Lords. Usually keeping my energy concealed helps me not get noticed, but it’s time to show everyone I’m the new leader. I see a smile spread ever so slightly across Kokoro’s face. That, usually isn’t good.

Well, looks like I have more of a reason to kill you than before.

In an instant, he vanishes from my view. Quickly drawing my sword I am able to block his side attack, yet part of his claw grazes my left cheek. It feels like a bee sting with a taste of demonic poison that seeps from his nails. Fresh, warm blood drips down my face. Quickly focusing my aura into my sword I use it to make demonic clones of myself. My mind scrambles to process the steps, since the clones are created from my energy they aren’t used for big attacks, mostly distractions or illusions for weaker opponents. By splitting my power into the clones, I try to get an opening to attack him. Their force won’t last long unfortunately. Long is an understatement, I am cut down to seconds as Kokoro uses poison from his hands through his claw like talons to take out both clones slashing one straight from the shoulder down and striking the others across the stomach, puffs of demonic smoke are left in his wake. Take that! Swinging my blade I aim for his mid-section, in mid swing a tornado of demonic aura jumps forward heading towards him, with me running on its tail. Instead of killing him, like I would have hoped, it only takes out his left arm cutting a small part of the muscles. That bastard got lucky, if he was human he would have been paralyzed. Blood gushes out as my second attack falls upon him. He uses his speed to unsheathe his sword for our blades to clash. Demonic auras release a hurricane that whirls around us. Just as our blades continue to clash into each other, I notice our auras crashing into one another as well; both caught in a death tango of lightning.

Every attack we make on each other makes the trees scream, rivers quake, and the earth rumble. From my side view I can see the craters in the ground from each of our attacks. As I block another one of his swings I take the chance and jump behind him, using my sharp claws, I cut into my palm so to use an attack I made recently; it is risky, but I don’t have much of a choice, just hoping it works. Spilling warm blood onto my blade I found by doing this in practice I can make the attack ten times stronger than normal. Since this is a directly transferring my aura into my blade this is one method to get the job done. Hopefully it works. As the blade comes down, Kokoro quickly uses the hilt of his blade to block the hit, but the impact of the attack splits his wrist open. He quickly jumps back, completely unfazed by the gash in his arm. Well, that failed. Think Kokora! It seems like we are almost even in power. Just thinking that leaves a horrid taste in my mouth and mind. This must stop, fighting is clearly going nowhere fast. Yet, it’s always like this with us and I have no clue why. I don’t think this will ever stop, but maybe I can make it… - wait… that’s it! I call out to him through the demonic storm.

Kokoro! Running up blocking his blade just in the right position to lock our blades together.

What are you up to Kokora? he says in his serious tone.

I am trying to hold back a smirk. I have a proposition for you. His glare is still cold as ever. I swear, his face never changes. Something we both can agree on. Jumping back from him I stand waiting, as the moments tick by the storms rage slowly starts to disperse. Once it is calm, I slowly put my sword back in its sheath..

What do you have to say, mutt?

Hey hold your demons, okay? I hear a dark growl come from him. Choking on a laugh that is caught in my throat, my eyes gaze sets upon the forest. Trees laying slain with murderous cuts in the ground. The babbling brook now cries as the water flows into the ragged craters. It’s hard tearing my gaze away from the murderous site, to focus back towards Kokoro.

Look, we are both rulers of territories now. I never wanted mine so freaking close to you and it pisses you off, soooo, I guess I’m fine with it. I am slightly hoping for some reaction. Though there is no change, as always. My gaze still meets his scorn filled eyes.

A annoyed sigh is all that’s left in me. Look, I don’t mind fighting you, or killing you, but let’s get more powerful. From that a small hint of interest grazes over his face so I decide to go on for I don’t know how long he will listen. "When we have an heir,