Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Crimson Shadows ❯ Determination ( Chapter 16 )

The demon king was an impressive figure when he arrived. Adorned in a black metallic armor, he walked silently through the path that his guards had made for him. His gaze was cold and hard and Sanzo silently watched him. Anger seethed within this demon king, just waiting for its cage to be blown wide open. He allowed a weapon to be pointed menacingly at him and awaited for King Rynna to make his speech.

"Lenora, I expected much more of you," he snapped, biting back the venom in his words with great difficulty.

"I do not recognize that name. I don't recognize the name given to me by a murderer," Rianna said and the king's face darkened with rage. Hakkai watched her with interest. She was determined to overcome her fears and continue with her contentment in life. She was determined to keep a certain redhead...he smiled as he watched her. She was a strong woman and needed someone like Gojyo to keep her that way for it was Gojyo that had given her the freedom to be strong.

"Lenora, I did not want to make your execution public but you leave me no choice. I will not give up my reign to anyone," King Rynna said and Rianna laid her hand on the sword that she had hanging on her waist.

Gojyo glanced at her and saw the determination in her eyes and grinned. There was a fire in her eyes that he had never seen before and it was...enticing. She was not willing to let her life be taken unjustly and Gojyo was glad that he had been able to talk some sense into her. He really liked her companionship and promised himself that when the fight was over, he would satisfy her until he could return from his self-appointed mission.

"I don't want your position. I just want to be able to live my own life as I see fit. You have no right to take my life from me. No one has the right," Rianna said and the king drew his weapon.

"Stop this foolishness and accept your execution or is your lover going to save you?" King Rynna asked.

"He has saved me once but I can do this on my own. I don't need saving. I will not let you take my freedom to live."

She unsheathed her weapon and brought it up to her face. She gazed somberly at her father and awaited for him to make his move. The demon king was unsure how to take her determination and Gojyo leaned slightly on his weapon and stared at the demon king as he lit a cigarette.

"I'd hate to be you," he commented and Rynna glared at him with dilated eyes.

"You keep out of this, half-breed," he hissed and Gojyo raised an eyebrow.

"Is that supposed to offend me? I have heard so many things worse than that," Gojyo said as Rianna turned her weapon to the side. She closed her eyes momentarily then opened them and stared at her father.

"If you're going to defend yourself then do so. I know what has to be done," she said and through the sheer force of her words, Rynna found himself complying with her wishes. She swung her weapon and Gojyo shielded his eyes from the blood that spewed forth. Her determination reflected itself in the thrust of her blow and she stepped back and let the blade fall from her hand in shock as the realization of what she had done reached her mind.

"Stay calm, babe. It's going to be all right. You had to do this, otherwise he would have haunted you for your entire life," Gojyo whispered as he took her shaking hand.

Hysterics set in and she broke down completely in his arms. He spoke softly to her, comfortingly stroking her back as he waited for her to come to her senses. She sobbed uncontrollably and Goku gazed worriedly at her.

"It's gonna be okay. You're free from him now," he said and she glanced up.

"He's right, you know. Also, I want to do something really special with you once this is all over," Gojyo said and grinned. She flushed slightly and he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Hey, let's not forget about all these guards," Sanzo said and Gojyo and Goku stepped away from her.

"Right. Let's go," Gojyo said.

"I'm gonna get more than you!" Goku cried and Gojyo glanced at him.

"Who says, dumbass?"

"Don't call me that!"