InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Into the Fire ❯ Interlude (Part 1) ( Chapter 10 )

Title: Into the Fire

Author: Chiaztolite

Rating: NC-17/M for future lemon, rape, and violence

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Inuyasha

 

A/N: Please note that this is the revised version of Chapter 10. If you have read Chapter 10 before, please take your time and read this again. I was really bothered with the old version because it contained so little information and it was only about 5000 words long. I'm trying to make this chapter more proportioned to the previous one. Anyway, I decided to add more at the end. If you have read the old version, you can just skip the first part and scroll down halfway, until you find the flashback scene in italic fonts. Let me know if it is too much of italic fonts that they hurt your eyes when you're reading. I need to know because next chapter is also all flashback scenes. There is also a little lime at the end, but it's really no big deal. Ow, and I'm still sorry that Sesshoumaru only appears for like 2 seconds in this chapter. Ja ne…

 

Into the Fire

 

Chapter 10: Interlude (Part1)

 

 

Inside the darkness of the Forest of No Return, a male inuyoukai stood beneath the tall, closely packed trees. His long, silver bluish hair gleamed underneath the faint moonlight that shone between the dense leaves above. The youkai lifted his right arm, letting a beautiful black butterfly perched on top of his index finger. A low, echoing voice in rhythm with the swaying wings of the butterfly reached his keen ears.

`So he had come, Yuusou…?' the voice asked.

“Yes, Grandfather.” Yuusou responded with a slight nod. “It was just today before sunset that Ryoushin appeared.”

`Had the evil spirit shown any sign of taking over yet…?'

“Fortunately, no.”

`Listen, Yuusou…' his grandfather spoke again. `If he showed even the slightest hint of hurting Shouri, you shall kill him…'

The younger inuyoukai's eyes widened in shock. Kill Ryoushin?

“…Kill him?” he voiced his thought.

`Kill him.' Hyougo-sama's solemn voice repeated. `And always keep the butterfly close by… That way, my eyes will be able to follow you…'

Yuusou lowered his hand and let the butterfly floated in the air. As his eyes watched the black winged creature, his grandfather's order echoed in his mind. He turned around and walked back to the camp, with the butterfly following his steps…

 

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It was a beautiful night, a little girl thought, her big honey colored eyes watched the star-filled sky. The air was getting colder and colder, causing the girl to wrap her arms around herself and moved her body closer to the crackling fire.

Her lord Sesshoumaru was nowhere in sight, and Jyaken had went not so long ago to look for him. She was left all alone to tend the fire with the company of Ah-Un, just like those two had often made her do. Her eyes wandered towards where Inuyasha and Kagome's pack was, gathering and chatting around their own fire. She would have loved to join them, but she understood very well that her master would not allow that. Rather than doing something that might anger Sesshoumaru-sama, she would stay around her own fire, although alone.

The rustling sound of the leaves startled her, and for a moment she thought her lord and master had returned. She jumped up to her feet cheerfully, ready to greet him. But she came face to face with two cubs instead, those that were with the strange youkai who had threatened Kagome-sama.

The cubs halted their steps, two pairs of prying blue eyes were watching the little girl. A wide smile appeared on Rin's face, her knees slightly bent.

“Are you two cold?” she asked them with her friendly voice. “Then you should come closer to the fire.”

The cubs were reluctant, as they stood still with their curious gaze aimed towards her. Then, much to her surprise, a popping noise reached her ears and she saw both of the young tigers transformed into their human forms. Rin's jaw dropped in amazement as she gazed at two identically beautiful male youkais before her. To her eyes, they both looked like angels with their long golden hair and milky white complexion. They seemed to be about the same age as she was, perhaps just a little bit older, around 12 years old according to human age.

“You are a human…” one of them said.

“That means you are our enemy…” the other one added.

Rin startled, her wide eyes moved from one cub to the other, feeling slightly perplexed.

“Eh? Why?” That was the first time that they met, so why did they call her their enemy?

“The humans killed our parents.” The cub on the left answered, continued by the one on the right. “Humans hunt our kind of our hearts. That is why all humans are our enemy.”

There was a long pause as Rin did not respond. The little girl lowered her head, her arms hidden behind her back, her naked foot traced the ground beneath her.

“That's alright…”she whispered. “Rin understand completely…” The little girl bent her knees and traced the ground with her fingers. “You see, humans also killed Rin's parents, and brothers too…”

“That is ridiculous!” one of them yelled. “Why would humans slay their own kin?”

“Don't know…” Rin answered, her eyes lifted to return their stare. “Because they can?”

Her words had rendered the cubs speechless. Since they did not utter another word, Rin lowered her gaze back to the ground and continued,

“Humans are scary…” the girl whispered. “Rin doesn't want to stay with humans anymore. Rin will stay with Sesshoumaru-sama and Jyaken-sama forever…”

The cubs looked at each other before taking two steps towards her, causing the little girl to raise her chin and met their eyes.

“…We like you.” The one on the right said with a smile on his face. The other one nodded, earning a big grin from the human child. She rose up to her feet, excited for the opportunity to make new friends with other than Jyaken, who was not fun to begin with anyway. She put the palm of her hands together and clapped joyfully.

“My name is Shinzou.” The cub on the right introduced himself, placing his hand on his chest. “And my name is Shinsei…” the remaining one added and just like what his twin brother did, put his hand on his chest.

“I'm Rin.” The girl said happily. But then she frowned and looked at one cub to the other. “You two look exactly the same!” she exclaimed. “How will I be able to tell which one of you is Shinsei and which one of you is Shinzou?”

Those two laughed at her question. She was right, they both looked identical from head to toe. They even wore the same white kimono and dark blue hakama.

“Only Ryoushin-sama and Kishi-sama can tell the difference between us.” Shinsei said. “Shouri-sama is pretty good at it too, even though she still makes mistakes, sometimes…”

“You just have to get used to it.” Shinzou told her, turned around when he sensed someone approaching.

Shouri arched her eyebrows when she saw the cubs had transformed into their human forms, which they had rarely done in front of a stranger.

“Well…well…” she said as she approached the children. “It has been awhile since I saw you two in your human forms, Shinsei…Shinzou…”

The twins bowed before her, showing their respect to their master's intended mate. Shouri lifted her hand that held three dead rabbits she just hunted. Just as she had thought, no one had provided those younglings with any food.

“Are you three hungry?” she asked, handing those rabbits over to them. “You should go and fix dinner if you are.”

The inu princess sat near the fire, watching the children skinned the furry animals so that they could roast them over the fire. She looked around, wondering where their guardians had been, and why no one was there to watch them. She shook her head slowly, her fingers touching her forehead in exasperation.

`…Males…' she sighed inwardly.

Just when she was complaining to herself, her cousin appeared from inside the darkness of the forest. For a split second, he seemed slightly surprised to find her there, yet he said nothing and smiled.

“Where have you been, Yuusou Nii-sama?” she asked him as he approached and took a seat next to her. His eyes followed the black butterfly that flew slowly before perching on top of a nearby cluster of wild flowers.

“Nowhere…” He lied. “I just took a walk…”

Though something in his tone of voice bothered her, she chose not to question it further. Together they sat quietly, watching the children played together while waiting for their dinner to roast.

“Where is Sesshoumaru?” Yuusou asked when he did not sense the youkai lord anywhere.

“We had a little argument…” Shouri answered dryly. “Then he left…”

“An argument…over Ryoushin?”

Shouri nodded and pulled her knee up to touch her chin. Her eyes drooped to the ground as she recalled their not so joyous conversation.

“He did not react well to the tattoo on Ryoushin's forehead.” The princess' emerald orbs filled with sadness as she spoke. “He called Ryoushin `The Abomination', just like grandfather did…”

“Don't you find it bizarre, Shouri…?” Yuusou muttered, his eyes looked up to the star-filled night sky. “Our grandfather has three grandchildren, and the one who resembles him the most is the one who hates him…”

A thin smile spread on Shouri's lips as she acknowledged the truth behind her cousin's words. Those two were very similar especially in their desire for power, and that was something neither Yuusou nor her ever wanted. Then a certain remark from her brother echoed in her mind, causing a deep frown to appear on her forehead.

`After Naraku is defeated, I will go to the eastern lands and slay their lord.'

What her nii-sama had said still worried her greatly. What was exactly her brother planning to do?

“Sesshoumaru Nii-sama said…” she spoke in a low voice that was laced with worries. “After this is done… he is going to go to our land and…kill grandfather…”

Silence filled the air for a few moments until Yuusou responded,

“I wouldn't be surprised if he planned to do so…” What the male inuyoukai said caused her to stare at him wide-eyed.

“What do you think will happen next then?!” her retort responded to his calm response. “Will Sesshoumaru Nii-sama kill grandfather, you think? The race of inu has already slowly ceased to exist without family members spilling each other's blood…”

“What are you saying, Shouri?” Yuusou's calm tone did not falter. “Are you so convinced that Sesshoumaru is strong enough to defeat grandfather?”

Shouri was at a loss of words. She had no doubt that her brother was a very powerful youkai, one of the strongest she had ever met. However, their grandfather's strength could not be taken so lightly. After roaming the earth for 3000 years, one could not even predict the depth of his skills. Never had she seen him having to exert all his strength to defeat an enemy…

She shook her head furiously. That was not even the point, she thought grimly, biting her lower lips. It was like a double-edge sword… No matter who would be the victor, no matter who would be the stronger, she would end up losing one of them.

Yuusou gave her a compassionate smile as he saw her clouded face. He ran his fingers through her silky silver tresses, gently grazing her scalp with his claws.

“Do not worry about this, Shouri…” he said. “You should concentrate on ridding the curse…”

She tried to smile, but her lips only managed to curve a troubled one. The thought of the curse only added despair to her already troubled mind.

`How…' the same question that had haunted her for the past five years echoed within her consciousness.

She forced another smile when she recognized two figures coming from the forest. Ryoushin and Kishi had returned, and only Gods knew where they had been. Although judging from the motionless deer on Kishi's shoulder, it seemed that they had gone hunting for food. Ryoushin frowned as he came face to face with a rather unique view: two youkai children and one human girl laid together on the ground, sleeping.

“How come the cubs are with the human child?” he voiced his mind, his nose wrinkled in disapproval.

Shouri stood up and walked towards where her intended were. Both Yuusou and her were so caught up in the conversation that they did not notice the children had fallen asleep after their dinner. Her eyes softened as she gazed upon those young creatures, all curled up into three bundles of joy.

“It is fine, isn't it?” she said quietly, in order not to wake the children. “She is just a little girl, she can do no harm…” The thought of Rin holding a sharp dagger in her hand, trying to dig hearts out of the cubs' bodies was just absurd.

But the frown would not disappear from Ryoushin's forehead. It's not just that, he grumbled inwardly.

“Only 35 years old and they are already sleeping with female…” he muttered under his breath. “Talk about moral degradation…”

“Oh?” Shouri arched an eyebrow and turned to face him. “How old were you the first time you bedded a female?” She dared him to answer, a deadpan look on her face.

Ryoushin, of course, knew better than to respond to that question. Kishi was the only creature in this world who knew the exact answer to the question, but a good servant knows how to keep his master's secret, fortunately. The male youkai just sighed, and to escape his intended's piercing gaze, took off his white cloak and spread the thick cloth over the sleeping younglings to keep them warm.

He straightened up his kneeling body when he sensed her eyes were still on him. As their equally intense gaze collided, they realized that there were much left to be said, though there was nothing they could do because of the other two pairs of eyes watching them closely.

“There is something I want to show you…” he said almost huskily, but then he stopped to clear his throat and tried to proceed in a normal tone. “…on the small hill north of this place…”

She nodded quickly. Her fingers laced with his and he squeezed her hand slightly.

“You go ahead.” She said. “I'll be right there…”

He gave Kishi a slight nod, commanding the servant to watch over the sleeping cubs. With that, he disappeared into the depth of the forest.

As for the inu princess, she walked back to where her original post was, letting out a sigh as she sat next to Yuusou. Just when she thought her cousin had become strangely quiet, he opened his mouth and spoke,

“You know… You two should have picked a code that roused less curiosity…”

Shouri tried to ignore his teasing comment, although she could not prevent the bright pink hue that started to taint her creamy cheek.

“What is this thing he wanted to show you anyway?” he rambled on.

Once more she ignored him, and there was a short pause before he spoke again, this time with a lower voice.

“I hope it's nothing obscene…”

She rose to her feet at once, cursing him under her breath before stomping away and disappeared to the direction where Ryoushin had gone. For a moment, Yuusou let himself enjoyed her discomfort and chuckled at her embarrassment. But soon enough, as his eyes caught the butterfly that remained still on its place, his laughter slowly ceased. After waiting for another minute, he too rose up and followed the two.

 

When Shouri reached the small hill Ryoushin had mentioned, she saw him standing there, watching the sparkling sky. His back was facing her, yet she knew he sensed her coming, she knew he was smiling. She took one step forward and he turned around, opening his arms for her. She ran into his warm embrace and nestled her face underneath the crook of his neck, inhaling the earthy scent he usually concealed. The scent of summer rain and a hint of rosewood…

“One year…” she whispered against the warmth of his skin. “For one year you left my heart cringed in fear of never seeing you again…”

He tightened his arms around her smaller frame, pulling her body closer to his. Elegantly tapered fingers stroked her hair as his lips laid a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“You would not even let me to go with you…” She almost sobbed. “But when they came to the palace…” Her soft lips touched his cheek, tracing his jaw line, almost driving him mad. “…I took my chance and joined them, hoping that I would run into you…” She tried so hard to speak between her kisses, but he lowered his head and let his lips found hers, locking her in a passionate kiss that never failed to make her lightheaded. He felt her body relaxed in his caress as he deepened their kiss, plundering the sweet cavern of her mouth with a passion that was almost crazy.

He did not understand what she was saying, but it did not matter to any of them at that point. He released her only when she was panting for air, her lips swollen from his nearly brutal assault. Though his lips had left her, his arms did not let go. She sighed in contentment as she laid her cheek against the firm, broad shoulder of his. If he could, he would hold her like this for as long as they both should live. He knew he had caused her pain, though it was not easy for him to leave her. It just got harder and harder every time they had to part.

When her breathing came to normal, he led her to sit down on the grass, while trying to keep a distance from her so that she could tell him what had happened during his absence. He listened to her story quietly, his eyes glowed amber when she mentioned the dragon, the youkai he had considered as his utmost enemy. After she was finished, he understood why she had come, even though he had forbid her to join him. Somehow it did not surprise him, knowing how headstrong she could be. As he pulled her closer, as she curled up comfortably in the warmth of his arms, he felt a soothing relief washed over him and he had to admit he was glad that she had chosen to come.

He nuzzled those silky silver tresses of hers, filling up all his senses with the dizzying fragrance of apple blossom. She snuggled close to him like one happy puppy, drowning herself in the comfort of his presence and affection. Her peaceful eyes lifted up when he asked, his voice muffled against her hair.

“Who was the inuyoukai with the armor?”

She smiled as she shifted her body slightly so that she could look into his captivating blue eyes.

“He is my brother…” her velvety voice answered, and could not help but chuckled when she saw his frowning face.

“Long before I was born, my mother fell in love with the previous Lord of the Western Lands. She loved him enough to abandon her country and followed him to the west…” A gentle smile curved on her lips as she finally saw the resemblance between her mother and herself. With the soft pad of her index finger, she traced the single black stripe that graced his cheekbone. For this male, she too, would leave her country and be a wanderer for the rest of her life. “But my grandfather took my mother and I back to the east, and therefore I was separated from my father and brother.”

“How come you have never told me this?” Ryoushin asked, and suddenly realized that her smile had suddenly turned to gloom.

“…It was because I do not remember what happened…” she spoke rather sadly. “Grandfather had taken the memories of my childhood, although he returned it when I asked him to… right before I leave the palace.”

His arms tightened around her, hands stroking her long silver hair, causing her to purr against his hard chest. In his own way, he tried to comfort her.

“…His name is Sesshoumaru…” she told him. “He rules the western lands now…”

Ryoushin's eyes watched the sky above him. He remembered that territory, since he had spent some time in those lands searching for the survivors of his race, though he did not meet the lord himself. Then he recalled that piercing, unfriendly golden gaze the youkai lord gave him earlier.

`This is just great…' he thought to himself as a sour smile graced his immaculate façade. As if having to face Hyougo-sama and Yuusou was not hard enough, now there was this stuck-up lord from the west too.

“There are too many males in your life…” he told her half jokingly, fingers tousling her hair. “You are the most difficult female to court.”

Her eyes gleamed like the stars above when she stared deep into his eyes, her love for him clearly shown in those emerald pools.

“I can only hope that I am worthy of all the trouble, Eiou-sama…” She teased him with his due title.

His response to her remark was a grin, and a gentle kiss that he planted on those delicious lips of hers. But she broke off the kiss, and before he could moan his protest, she whispered,

“…You realize that Yuusou is watching, right?”

He almost laughed at her unnecessary question. “Of course” he whispered back, before once more closing the distance between them.

 

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Inside the dark palace on the peak of the Mountain of Gods, Naraku sat quietly while watching the mirror of vision held by one of his incarnation, Kanna. His lips that curved into a smile only added more evil to his already vicious exterior.

The mirror before him was showing a golden haired male youkai with cerulean blue eyes, smiling next to the female he had come to recognize as Sesshoumaru's little sister.

“Seiryuu…” his calm voice called the grey-haired youkai who just entered the chamber, wearing aquamarine armor and gauntlets. “Tell me if you recognized this youkai…”

The male by the name of Seiryuu went to approach him, his sharp gaze was aimed towards the crystal clear view of the mirror. His eyes widened as he saw the male youkai on its surface.

`That face…' he thought. `Those eyes…'

Naraku's smile grew wider as he observed Seiryuu's stunned expression.

“He is the son of the 24th Eiou that you killed…” he spoke. “The one who had been missing for 300 years…”

Seiryuu let out an amused chuckle, his eyes were still locked on the mirror.

“He is coming for me…” said he. “…to avenge the annihilation of his race.” Then he turned to gaze at Naraku, who was still observing him intently. “Surely you understand that he has what we need to open the gate to the afterlife?”

The ryuu youkai rose to his feet and walked towards the small niche on the far wall that contained a sword, supported by a pair of wooden stand. His hand reached out to grip the sheath of the sword and held it before him, studying that plain looking weapon. Looking at its exterior, there was nothing extraordinary about the sword, judging from its shabby, unadorned wooden sheath.

`Even when you draw the blade…' he said inwardly, his hand pulled out the sword from its sheath. He swayed the weapon before him, his eyes never left its glistening, razor sharp blade. `There is nothing remarkable about it…'

But it was the sword that supposed to open the gate to the afterlife. Just like its name: Tenken, the Sword of Heaven. For 300 years had he tried to solve the secret that locked the power of the sword, yet managed to find nothing.

“We need the scrolls…” he muttered before turning around to face Naraku. “He has the scrolls, you know that?”

“The four scrolls that hold the key to open the gate to the afterlife?” Naraku's cunning mind started to develop a plan. “We will steal them from him…”

Seiryuu nodded as he placed the sword back in its original place. He did not see Naraku's piercing gaze on his back, and the vile grin that accompanied it.

The dragon still had not noticed that he was just one of the pawns in this well planned gambit. Naraku had approached him to gain access to the Mountain of Gods, but never once did he consider Seiryuu as an equal alliance. The demon laughed silently, admiring his own sly mind that was able to come up with such evil scheme. Soon, very soon, he would hold the secret to open the gate to the afterlife. Soon, the holy tiger would come and slay the dragon for revenge. And soon, his undead army would take care of every creature who dared to oppose him…

“Leave it to me…” Naraku spoke in his slick voice. “I have that someone who is perfect for this job…”

He flicked his fingers and called out her name, commanding her to come to him.

“…Kagura.”

 

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Meanwhile, hidden behind the large tree not so far from where the lovers sat, Yuusou sighed inwardly. Spying like this made him feel like he was a pervert. Moreover, a scene showing the female whom he had regarded as his own sister for 200 years locking lips with a male was not to his liking. But this had to be done, and once again, he sighed at the thought.

“Did your grandfather not teach you that spying and eavesdropping are lowly acts, Prince of the Eastern Lands?”

A cold, emotionless voice from behind caused him to smile. No need to turn around and see who the intruder was.

“He taught me that when one's safety is concerned, spying and eavesdropping are acceptable, if not necessary…” He turned around anyway, facing the owner of the voice. “my Lord, Sesshoumaru.”

The youkai lord approached the male inuyoukai who was his cousin by blood. His golden gaze that was on him shifted to the scene beyond and almost instantly, a deep frown formed on his forehead.

“Why did you not just stop them?” he asked almost heatedly.

“Just leave them be.” Yuusou said. “They have not seen each other for a year. For sure they want some time to spend alone.”

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. He wondered if Shouri and Ryoushin would agree that they had been given the luxury of privacy, considering this inu prince from the east had been spying and eavesdropping the whole time.

“If you were determined to spy on them, can you not do it more discreetly?” the youkai lord's nose wrinkled in distaste when he realized Yuusou did not even try to conceal his presence even one bit. Although his body was hidden behind the tree, his youki still gave out a strong sense of his existence.

Yuusou let a low chuckle escaped from him, and shook his head.

“It is useless…” he told Sesshoumaru. “Ryoushin is a great feline hunter, he would notice it either way.”

Sesshoumaru said nothing and watched the two lovers together, enjoying each other's company.

“Do you not trust him?” he asked. “Do you not trust him that you have to spy on him?”

Yuusou sighed deeply, his eyes followed his cousin's stare.

“I have no doubt in his love for her…” he muttered. “But other than that, I do not trust him.” He shook his head slowly. “No… it is more that I do not trust the evil inside of him…”

The evil inside of him…, Sesshoumaru thought warily. There was something that bothered him, and he turned to face Yuusou as he voiced his curiosity.

“Your grandfather is a very powerful inuyoukai.” He said. “So why did he not do anything to get rid of the curse?”

Yuusou shook his head slowly.

“Only Ryoushin can rid the curse.” He responded in a low voice. “And only Shouri can give him the strength to do so… If our grandfather forced the devil out of his body, Ryoushin may die… It is just not possible.”

“Is that why he has not taken her yet?” Sesshoumaru asked. “Because he is cursed?”

“Ryoushin knows it very well that he is unworthy of her.” Yuusou answered with a smile. “Not only because he is cursed, but also because he has nothing to offer. No title, no land… He does not even have a home he can go back to.”

Sesshoumaru frowned as he felt the irony in the whole situation. It should have been an honor to be a holy tiger's mate. Their race had been known as the one blessed by the Gods, the noble members even lived as immortals. They were so proud of their own race that they refused to find mates outside their own circle, in order to keep their blood whole. It would have been a good match, even a beneficial one, if only…

His golden eyes were watching Shouri. The frown was still pasted on his forehead, refusing to leave.

“How did the two meet?” he asked Yuusou, a hint of curiosity was in his voice.

Yuusou just smiled, he still clearly remembered what happened 5 years ago. It was such a ruckus, he thought, and almost chuckled at the memory…

 

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The Shieldmaiden of the East

 

“Hmm… Many have arrived…” a young servant whispered, beckoning her friends to come and peek through the window in one lonely hallway of the eastern palace. Three young fox youkais gathered around the large opening to observe the growing crowd in the palace courtyard down below, waiting for the annual tournament to start.

“Ah, Keiko…” One of them gasped, her hand tugged the sleeve of her fellow servant's kimono. She pointed her finger to a particular tall, auburn haired youkai who was standing in the center of the courtyard. He possessed an aura of royalty that surrounded him like a thick veil, causing him to stand out in the crowd.

“Who is that handsome one in black armor?” that servant asked.

Keiko aimed her gaze towards where her friend, Miyako, had eyes on. She recognized the youkai right away, since he was not a newcomer. In fact, he was one of the famous one, since everyone in the eastern lands knew him as the leader of the eagles, one of the noble clans that resided in the boundary of the east and south.

“That's Master Kyoushuu…” she answered, her eyes appreciating his masculine form and beautiful facade. “He's one of the strong ones. He almost won last year…”

“…Almost? Then… that means…”

“Yes, he was defeated.” Keiko nodded. “…by our young mistress.”

“Eh?!” The remaining two servants widened their eyes in shock. “I have no idea that Shouri-sama is so strong…” Miyako gasped, her hand lifted up to cover her mouth that gaped in awe.

“Of course she is.” Keiko responded. “She has been undefeated for 3 years in a row, after all…”

Their other friend, Sayaka, kept her eyes glued to the brewing activities in the courtyard below. Many of the challengers had arrived, all stood impatiently, waiting for the Lord of the Eastern Lands to arrive and announce the beginning of the 4th annual tournament. Her brows knitted to form a frown, as she realized that most of the participants, if not all, were from their own country. There was no foreigner in sight.

“But these are all local fighters, members of our own country's noble houses!” she exclaimed. “Surely our lord had extended his invitation to the neighboring countries?”

Keiko giggled as she heard Sayaka's naïve question. Well, she was a new maid after all…

“Lord Hyougo never extended his hospitality to members of other countries.” She told the youngest fox youkai. “Especially travelers from the west…” she shook her head, as well as her index finger that was raised to the level of her eyes. “That is why you hardly ever find foreigner in these eastern lands.”

“Not even for the tournament?” Miyako asked, wide eyed.

“Listen you two,” Keiko explained. “Before the first tournament took place, Hyougo-sama had issued an edict that no foreigner is allowed to participate. And that never changed even after 3 years. That's why only local nobles managed to make it here today.”

“But why?” Miyako asked, still confused. “This is a tournament to determine who will be Shouri-sama's intended mate, is it not? Then, the more challengers to participate, the better. That way, our princess will have more options to choose from.”

Keiko's gaze suddenly turned gloom.

“That may be true…” she softly spoke. “It all started over 200 years ago, when Hyougo-sama's daughter, Isha-sama, was snatched away at the boundary between the east and west…Our lord had never been able to forgive…ah!”

Suddenly Keiko's hand moved to cover her mouth when she saw the princess approaching. The three of them quickly moved to the side, kneeling down with their head lowered as their young mistress passed by.

Shouri paid those servants no heed, even though her hearing caught a portion of their conversation. Something about her mother… Some secrets she knew the whole palace talked about when she was not around, or at least when they thought she was not around. Several times had she managed to hear bits and pieces of the forbidden subject, yet she could never put the pieces together to make the puzzle whole.

As she strolled down the hallway, her eyes caught a certain youkai that stood out amongst the crowd down below. She halted her steps to look out the window, laying her emerald eyes on the young, auburn-haired youkai, who lifted up his chin to stare back at her.

`Kyoushuu…' her mind whispered. `So he came again…'

She let out a silent sigh, her heart wondered if it was time for her to relent and let the male, or any male, take her as his. For three years in a row had her grandfather held this annual tournament for the noble members in their country, in order to find the most suitable consort for her. The term `most suitable' meant the strongest, nothing else. The challengers would face each other in one on one combat, and the best fighter among them would have to face her at the end. And if he wins, Gods bless her, he would have all the rights to take her as his mate.

Last year's most promising contender, Master Kyoushuu, had somehow gained her grandfather's trust and favors, yet the eagle youkai failed to make her submit. This year, she got the gist that her grandfather would rather have her pretend to be weaker than she truly was and purposely get herself defeated. For once in his long life, he seemed to regret that he had trained his granddaughter to be such a formidable fighter.

`Maybe I should just pretend to loose…' She thought to herself, as her gaze was still locked with Kyoushuu's. She was getting tired of this whole game. Moreover, because of her grandfather's hatred towards foreigner, the participants had been the same for the past three years and this year showed no difference, it seemed. She had little doubt that Kyoushuu was the strongest contender and besides, he was not at all unpleasant to look at. So maybe she should give in this time, after all. However, her pride forbade her to do so. How could she honor and respect her mate if he was weaker than herself?

She proceeded to walk to the courtyard, joining her grandfather and her brother, as well as the awaiting crowd. As she took her place on the left side of the lord's chair, her grandfather examined her appearance and nodded in approval. She looked beautiful, as usual, gleaming like a piece of polished trophy everyone seemed to think she was. Her long silver hair that reached to her mid-thigh had been brushed many times to reach its current shine. Her pristine baby blue kimono caressed the curves of her tall and willowy features perfectly, showing off her sensual attributes appropriately.

As the tournament began, she kept her eyes straight yet saw nothing, not even those males who were fighting for her hand in mating. Her heart wondered if there should be more to her life than reaching the age of 200 and waiting for some male to take her as his. She had always known that she was strong, but all potentials would soon vanish, buried underneath the walls of the cold palace and the puppies she would soon bear.

Often had she heard young maids in the palace giggled bashfully as they told each other stories about love.

`Love…' That alien word rang in her mind. `Love is a worthless emotion…'

Naturally, she believed that a powerful youkai should seek for a strong mate, not a loving one. But strangely, that one word alone always evoked a distant sadness within her, like a childhood trauma. Though impossible, since she had never experienced love herself, the fear of that unknown emotion scorched deep within her.

A loud gasp from the crowd startled her, awaken her from her realm of thought. She straightened her back, eyes focused on the scene before her, trying to find the reason why they were all so taken by surprise.

“…Master Kyoushuu was defeated…!” Her eyes widened when she heard them whispered to one another.

`How can that be possible…' she thought, watching the male who was standing straight before Kyoushuu's half-kneeling body.

He was tall. That was pretty much all that one could say about his appearance since his whole body, from head to toe, was hidden underneath a hooded white cloak. He did not hold a sword, or any piece of weaponry, in his hands, causing Shouri to curse herself for not paying attention to how he had defeated Kyoushuu.

`A stranger?' she thought, her eyes could not leave this interesting creature before her. `How did he even get in here?'

“Who is he?” She heard her grandfather asked, his calm tone never seemed to falter.

One of his generals, the serpent youkai, stepped up from behind them and bowed over so that he could reach the level of his lord's ears.

“A foreigner, it seems, my Lord.” He quietly answered. “Shall I drive him out of here…?”

Before Lord Hyougo had a chance to answer, Shouri turned to look at her grandfather and spoke,

“Let me fight him, Grandfather…”

Lord Hyougo did not answer right away, his right hand tugged underneath his chin while he examined the stranger before them all. It was quite certain that the male was not from their country, not only because of his unusual appearance, but also because of his unique fighting style. Yes, the eastern lord would very much like to know who he was, and where he came from.

“Then go.” His heavy voice told his awaiting granddaughter, granting her his permission. She rose from her seat, walking passed her brother as she made her way to the courtyard.

“Nii-sama…” she whispered when she passed him. “What was the weapon that he used?”

Yuusou was quiet before he answered, “His claws, oddly…”

A frown appeared on her forehead when she heard his response. `…Claws against a sword?' She thought as she descended the steps to enter the fighting arena.

There they stood facing each other on the duel ground, a princess and a stranger to everyone. They were only a few feet apart, yet she could not see his face underneath the shadows of his hood. She took her fighting stance, her right hand placed on the hilt of her sword, ready to draw the blade whenever her opponent was ready. Neither one of them moved, as if they were both waiting for a signal while heightening their fighting spirit. Soon enough the warm wind of summer blew, tousling her long hair together with his cloak. She was waiting for the right moment to attack, and she knew he was waiting for her to make the first move. She closed her eyes, letting her inner spirit to choose when to attack. She could feel the wind blew stronger, and her eyes shot open.

`Now!'

Her left foot stepped forward the same time her right hand pulled the blade out of its sheath. Using her youkai speed, she sprung at him with her blade swayed. The sound of metal crashing against metal reached her ears, and she stared at her opponent's means of defense in disbelief. He had blocked her attack and resisted her blade with his hand, or his claws to be exact, just like what Yuusou had said. Shouri managed to get a glimpse of his lengthened claws, each one could easily reached 6 inches long. And they were no ordinary claws, she was sure of that. The sound that they made when her blade crashed against them was too harsh, as if those claws were forged out of steel.

But she was given no time to think. Her eyes widened as she saw him disappeared from her sight.

`From behind…!'

She turned around and stopped his attack with her blade. Or barely stopped his attack with her blade was probably more like it… His razor sharp claws were just a hair breadth away from her face. Again, he disappeared. And this time, he came at her from above.

`How swift…' she thought as she crouched to once again block his fierce, relentless assault. She countered his attack with one rapid swing of her sword, aiming for his legs. Her counterattack forced him to leap backwards, widening the gap between them by a few feet. His moves were too swift for her to even have a chance to take a look at his face.

`If it is just speed…' she thought with clenched teeth, preparing herself for the next one. `I am inferior to no one!'

With her sword gripped tightly in both hands, with its sharp tip aimed straightly at him, she pounced forward with increasing speed. The male youkai was once again forced to retreat by her aggressiveness, though he was a step too late. The princess' sword managed to rip the side of his cloak. He drew back even further to increase their distance one more time.

`Damn it!' Shouri cursed to herself, eyes watching the still creature. `Just a little bit more and I would have torn that cloak open…'

She could not deny that she was more concerned in getting the cloak out of the way than to defeat this male. Her heart wondered what kind of creature that hid himself beneath the thick garment, her curiosity was greatly roused by his hidden physique.

The stranger tilted his head to examine the damage she had caused before staring back at the beaming inu princess. Whatever his emotion was, no one could see it due to the hooded cloak that still covered his entire body despite the rip Shouri had caused.

Lord Hyougo who was intently watching the duel could not help but let a frown formed deep on his forehead. His very sharp eyes had caught glimpses of sparkling blue orbs, which caused ripples of suspicion to spread within him.

`He cannot be one of those…' he told himself, his hand rubbing his chin. `But those eyes…'

Meanwhile, the fight had continued, even more insistent than before as both parties had further increased their velocity. But somehow the stranger had suddenly decided to put an end to his game and face her seriously, proved by his doubled, even tripled speed. Shouri could only see white blurs coming at her from every direction, almost at the same time. She could barely keep up with him and this time, she was the one forced to retreat, her breathing labored.

`One more time…' she thought as she tried to control her breathing. Focusing her energy in this one shot, she lunged at him, sword aimed at his throat. But, as if the stranger knew she was aiming for the sash underneath his chin that tied the cloak together, he did not dodge even one bit. At the same time when the blade cut the sash to split, his clawed hand pushed her sword with a power that forced her hand to let go. As his cloak flung open, her sword tossed to the other end of the courtyard before plunged down on its point and jabbed into the ground.

His last blow had forced her body to fall on her knees, the tip of his sharp claws touched her throat, rendering her defenseless. Even so, she cared about none of those. She could hear the crowd started to cheer, but her eyes only saw him, this creature before her. The first that she saw was a pair of bewitching blue eyes, the strangest, yet most beautiful shade of blue. The color was deeper than the clearest blue sky, and shone as if there was a torch of flickering fire behind the orb. Then the black stripes on his golden hair and his cheekbones…

`A tiger…?' she wondered. But not an ordinary one…

`What a shame to hide such a beautiful figure underneath a cloak…' she thought as her eyes would not leave his face, his golden tanned skin. She had also noticed the strange tattoo on his forehead, but for her, it only added more feature to an already unique youkai. His handsome face did not smile when he slightly pushed his claws against the skin of her throat and spoke in his deep, calm voice,

“…It is over…”

Then she was aware that she was completely at his mercy. Knowing that she was already defenseless, the stranger pulled his hand back and flipped it, offering to help her rise to her feet. Her hand slowly reached out for his, but before their fingers touched, a sudden whirl of youki appeared before them. In a blink of an eye, Lord Hyougo was standing between them, the tip of his sword aimed at the stranger's throat, his other hand was pushing Shouri away from the male he was glaring at with his fiery eyes.

“…Leave my lands and never return…” he hissed. “Do not dare to think that you may have my granddaughter as your mate…” His anger turned to disgust as he gazed at the tattoo on the stranger's forehead.

“Be gone, the abomination… You cursed creature!” he spat.

The stranger's eyes widened as he heard the lord's spiteful words. But in an instant, those eyes narrowed into sapphire slits as he spoke in an icy cold voice,

“I would never want your granddaughter as a mate…”

Those words were like a slap on Shouri's face, but she could only watched him turned his back on her and left. The crowd moved aside, parted and gave him a way as he passed. She could hear them whispering to one another, murmuring the word `abomination'. Her grandfather grabbed her wrist and almost dragged her back to the palace, yet her eyes would not leave the male she just encountered. Lord Hyougo yanked her granddaughter's wrist, pulling her rather roughly to follow him.

“Do not look at him…” he said. “He is one that we call `Tsuihousha'. An outcast…”

 

 

Release Me

 

All night long, the flustered inu princess could only roll back and forth on her futon restlessly, fidgeting over what had happened yesterday. Her usually creamy cheek was tainted with deep red blush of heated blood every time she recalled what the stranger had said before he left.

`I would never want your granddaughter as a mate…'

Her clawed fingers curled up into a tight fist whenever she remembered the humiliation that damn tiger had caused her to suffer. To say such a thing in front of the whole crowd and her other suitors, how unforgivable…

She sighed and laid the back of her hand on her heated forehead, as her grandfather's words resounded in her mind.

`A cursed being, is he…' she thought, watching the empty ceiling above her, but her eyes saw the strange tattoo carved on that smooth golden skin. `But what have he done to deserve it…'

She sat up and wiped her exhausted face. It was almost dawn, as she could see the orange sun rays penetrating the thin paper of the shoji. She rose up from her futon and started to get dressed. It might be better to take a walk in the woods to clear her mind…

She was right, as soon as she was out in the open air, as soon as her lung breathed the fresh air of morning, she felt better. She raced through the field of grass which was still wet from beads of dew. She increased her speed until she was half flying over the lush grass, not stopping until she reached the rim of the Forest of No Return. She stood still watching the woods before her, filled with trees as far as her eyes could see. As usual, the forest was dark, as if never touched by sun light.

`Is this as far as I can go…?' she thought gloomily, knowing well her grandfather disapproval every time she tried to go passed the boundary of their country. For some reason, he would not let her set even one foot outside the eastern lands. Whatever his reason was, he would not tell her. But once in a while, she would defy that one rule and venture into the forest, just to sate her curiosity of the world outside her cage.

A loud roar from within the forest startled her, followed by fearful screams of two young animals. Quickly she moved through the trees, rushing towards the source of all the noises. Her eyes captured a large boar soaring before two young cubs. The cubs were crouching low, taking their stance to defend themselves against the monster with their tiny paws and still-short claws. But before both sides had a chance to attack, four needles flew in the air and jabbed into the boar's most vital vessels, spreading poison in its blood. In a matter of seconds, the monster dropped to the ground, dead.

The cubs gaped at the motionless carcass before them, their blue eyes wide opened. They turned around to face the female youkai who had saved their lives. Shouri could hear a soft popping noise before the cubs transformed into their human forms. Her eyes gleamed with interest as she came face to face with two golden haired younglings that looked identical with each other.

`They are twins…?' she thought, studying their cerulean blue orbs, the same eye color as the stranger from yesterday. `Is it possible that…'

But before she had a chance to utter a word, before the cubs had a chance to express their gratitude for what she did, their eyes caught a white blur that sprung at her. She could feel a tight grip on her throat, and a powerful blow that shoved her body and caused her back to crash against the hard trunk of a tree.

“Stay away from them…” a low, angry hiss reached her ears, and her eyes stared into the flickering sea of blue flame. Her hands instinctively reached for his wrist, trying to loosen his grip on her neck. Alas, he tightened his clutch, nearly choking her to death. Her feet were lifted off the ground as the strange male held her body high against the tree.

`Is he out of his mind…' her mind thought as she struggled to supply air into her tortured lung. It almost seemed as if he was determined to break her neck with his bare hand.

“No, my Lord…!” the cubs screamed. Their arms flailed, trying to reach up to his so that he would loosen his hold of her. “Please release her, my Lord…” they pleaded. “She saved our lives!”

The male whom they called their lord peered at them from the corner of his eyes. For a moment he seemed reluctant to believe what the cubs were telling him. But after seeing the corpse of the boar that she killed, he slowly loosened his grip and dropped her to the ground so callously.

“Oh.” That was all he said, his eyes looked down upon the female who was on her knees, fighting for breath with hands rubbing her sore throat. He turned around to examine the dead body of the monster that she killed, his brows puckered as he plucked one needle that was jabbed on the side of its neck. He lightly sniffed the tip of the needle before he spoke with his back was still facing her.

“…You poisoned it…”

Shouri's breathing had slowly come to normal. Her blazing, angered eyes were locked on this rude creature's back, who did not even apologize after committing such a deplorable action.

“It was about to kill your wards!” she almost snarl at him. “It had to be done.”

He grunted in a scornful manner, a mocking smile was on his lips although she could not see it.

“The cubs did not need your help.” His austere voice said. “I would have got here before they were harmed.”

The inu princess rose to her feet, ready to face him with her poise and composed demeanor. “But you didn't.” she replied rather provokingly.

“Only because your unnecessary action got in the way.” He turned around with his arms folded in front of his chest, staring at her so condescendingly, causing her blood to boil in anger.

“Shinsei, Shinzou…” he called his two young wards, although his eyes were still glued on her. “Go back to the camp and wait for my return.”

The cubs obeyed his command and when they walked pass her, they both inclined their heads and thank her for what she had done. She nodded and watched them walked away, thinking that it was so bizarre that the wards were much more polite than their master.

She started to feel uncomfortable when she realized the tiger's gaze was still locked on her, for whatever reason. She tried to return his stare unwaveringly, but noticed right away that her cheeks had warmed up almost too fast when their gaze collided.

`He is definitely strong…' she thought as her eyes scanned him. He was not of a large built, yet his body was well toned, his features were chiseled. He dressed very modestly, only a simple white kimono and black hakama, although the black stripes on his cheekbones were enough proof that he was a royalty. The way he moved spoke of predatory grace, just like a feline youkai he was.

“Would you kindly tell me your name, stranger?” she asked, slightly surprised to find how intrigued she was by this mysterious creature.

His response to her query was a smirk, followed by a remark that was almost too sarcastic,

“You can call me `abomination', just like your grandfather did.”

Shouri could feel her cheeks blushed as she found out that the male was greatly offended by what her grandfather's scornful words. She reflexively inclined her head.

“He had offended you.” She said. “I apologize on behalf of my grandfather.”

Whether the stranger accepted or refused her offer of apology, he did not indicate any of it.

“What do you want, Princess?” he asked. “I have done what your grandfather wanted. I believe this forest is not your territory.”

There was uncomfortable silence in the air as Shouri did not answer for a while. She originally came just to take a walk, to clear up her mind. There was nothing that she wanted from him. But now that he was there standing before her…

“I want a rematch.” She ended up saying.

She saw him arching one eyebrow, his eyes glittered at her request.

“You have been defeated.” He said.

“You have shamed my honor…” she growled, her blood heated when she, once again, recalled what he had announced in front of the whole crowd.

“…I only said that I do not want you as my mate.” He uttered those words again, purposely provoking her.

“That is why I said you have shamed my honor!” She had lost her composure, and snarled at him. “You know that the tournament is only for those who wish to take my hand in mating… If you do not want me, then why did you come?!”

“I only wish to test my strength.” The stranger simply answered, earning another growl from the usually calm inu princess. Impatiently, she drew her sword and aimed its razor sharp tip at him, challenging him.

“Prepare yourself…” she said. Not willing to give him a chance to refuse her challenge, she lunged at him with her full youkai speed. Her sword swayed, only to cut thin air as he had once again disappeared from her sight, repeating his swift move he had shown her yesterday. She checked her surrounding, she checked everywhere, but he was nowhere to be found. She was surrounded only by trees and the complete silence of the forest. He was still there, she knew it, yet she could not place his existence. She closed her eyes, focusing all her senses in her effort to find where her opponent lurked.

`Strange…' she thought, eyes still shut tight. There was no presence of him whatsoever… Her eyes already failed to see him, her nose could not catch his scent, all her senses were incapable of sensing his youki.

Meanwhile, he was calmly perching on a branch of a nearby tree, watching her. He almost chuckled at how gullible she was. Most of those who had fought him would never ask for a duel inside a forest, as the trees could only bring his strength to its utmost potentials. He was capable of eliminating traces of his existence, making his own breath disappeared, and all he needed to do was watching his prey, waiting for the right moment to strike, just like what he was doing right now.

`This is impossible…' she thought warily, and tried once more. Again she failed to locate him. Fear started to creep within her as she truly felt trapped, as if she was a prey, waiting for the predator to capture and kill her…

She did not even realize that he had come down from where he perched and quietly landed on the ground, right behind her. He brought his lips closer to her ears and whispered,

“Have you given up yet…?”

She jerked up in alarm and in an instant, turned around to swing her sword at him, which he easily dodged. Her blazing eyes flared even more, as if angry that she failed to slice his body into two. He watched the emotion on her face with such an amusement, quite astonished by the sudden change in her expression. Yesterday, she had been stoic all the way through their fight. But today, this time, she looked positively annoyed, completely frustrated by her continuously failed effort to catch him. Her pale, smooth cheek had turned rosy with the pink shade that grew even darker every time her sword missed him by a hair breadth. Fire was in her beautiful green eyes, a sign that she would still try again and again, not willing to relent and let him go unpunished. Her cherry lips parted as she gasped and panted for air, her breathing labored. To him, she could not look more alive than she was right this moment. She looked almost too appetizing…

He took her by surprise when he gripped her hand that held the sword, her lips let out a small cry as he pushed her until her feminine frame was sandwiched between a tree and his masculine body. He held both of her wrists over her head to once again render her defenseless. He lowered his head and crushed her mouth with his, muffling her cries of protest as his unoccupied hand rested on her slim waist. Her body stiffened at the first taste of their sensual encounter, her arms wriggled to free themselves from his grip, her back arched as her effort to throw him away, yet all efforts failed for he was much stronger. He sensed her rage and softened his kiss, experimenting with a different approach to make her submit. His lips brushed against hers tenderly, encouraging her lips to part and let his tongue plunder the sweetness of her mouth. He tugged on her lower lip, gently nipping the plump flesh as he pressed his lower body onto hers. A soft, very faint moan escaped her, and he could feel her body relaxed and her struggling ceased. Much to his surprise, she started to respond to his kiss, though very shy at first, as if she was trying to learn him. He opened his mouth for her, encouraging her to discover more of him.

He let her wrists go when he was sure she would not try to run away, his hands were now gliding down the sides of her body, laying a firm grip on her hips as he thrust himself against her, his eagerness earned a breathless gasp from the now helpless female. He felt her feathery soft hands explored the nape of his neck, claws raking his still-clothed back, fingers stroking his rippling muscles. Her touches were like butterfly wings on his heated skin, almost driving him crazy with desire.

As for her, he occupied all her senses, from head to toe. His mouth, his skin, his power, the heat radiated from his whole body almost made her drunk. Again he thrust against her hips, tearing another gasp from her mouth in the process. His hands were planted firmly on the side of her hips, preventing her to squirm around, taking a complete control of her body. Never had she felt so helpless before, yet she gladly succumbed to this new experience. His mouth was now tracing her jaw line, planting hot kisses on her neck, leaving her mouth to freely moaned and gasped as waves of pleasure and pangs of unfulfilled desire washed over her. He buried his face on the junction of her neck and shoulder, fangs slightly nipping on her flesh. She cried out as she felt something hard nudging the aching center between her legs, torturing and granting her pleasure at the same time. She could feel its strength and burning heat even through layers of garments separating them. Her glassy eyes watched the dense leaves above, biting her lower lips to prevent from screaming as his hips flexed and thrust against her over and over again. She was a stranger to all these emotions, their intensity almost scared her. Finally his hands left her hips to circle her waist, his fingers almost touched. Although surprised by her own eagerness, she bucked herself against him, mashing their body together, bringing them to an even closer contact. Mesmerized by this new blissful sensation, guided by her pure and innocent curiosity, her hand stroked his hard chest and trailed down the path of his abdomen and even lower , seeking the source of both the agony and the ecstasy between her slightly parted thighs. As her fingers almost touched the rigid member, his hand caught her wrist, and she heard his whisper in her ear,

“… If you do not wish me to shame your honor even more, Princess…I suggest you stop whatever you are trying to do…”

She could only moaned unintelligible whispers, not even understanding why he had gripped her wrist again and pinned it down with his hand on the side of her head. He continued his assault, nibbling on the delicate flesh of her ear, his heavy and warm breath sent tingling sensation all over her heated body. Just when she thought she could not endure this torture any longer, just when she thought she had to do something to sate this aching desire, he stopped everything he was doing.

“…My name…” he whispered huskily against her ear. “…is Ryoushin. Remember that, Princess…”

With that, he disappeared, just as fast as how he had proved he could be. He had left her still standing there against the tree, lips swollen from his kisses and body trembling from his touches. Her eyes widened as she slowly realized that he had helped her shamed her own honor this time.

Ryoushin raced through the trees, making his way deeper into the forest. He could still taste the innocent princess in his mouth, enticing him like the sweetest ambrosia of the Gods. His head was dizzy from the heady scent of her arousal.

`But she is innocent…' he thought as he tried to calm his pounding heart. `…She has never been touched by a male before…'

A rather amused grin was on his lips as he vividly heard her echoing scream of frustration from a far…

 

To be continued…

 

 

 

-Chiaztolite-