InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Into the Fire ❯ Interlude (Part 2) ( Chapter 11 )

Title: Into the Fire

Author: Chiaztolite

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

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Inuyasha

 

Into the Fire

 

Chapter 11: Interlude (Part 2)

 

 

Wild at Heart

 

For the second night in a row, the fair inu princess laid on her futon restlessly. The night was still young, yet she had laid there for a few hours, twisting and turning as her second encounter with the stranger replayed over and over again in her mind. She buried her face in her pillow, only to muffle her own screams of exasperation. Her claws raked the feathery soft cushion, tearing the silk fabric of the cover and revealing the fluffy filling underneath.

`That damn tiger…' For the hundredth time that night, she cursed the mysterious being who still occupied her thought. She turned to her side as she watched the shadows of the trees printed on the shoji, her mind wandered into the Forest of No Return and a particular creature that she knew was still there. She was close to getting caught, very close. At dinner, her grandfather had asked why she looked so flustered. She almost panicked but fortunately, managed to come up with some lame excuse that she was not feeling well and fooled him. She even went to rest early, trying to make up for her lack of sleep last night. But there she was again, still troubled by what had happened.

Feeling hot, she decided to open the sliding door and let the cool night air grazed her heated skin. She sat down near the doorway, her back flushed against the wall, eyes appreciating the serene garden surrounding the palace. It was summer in the east, the season of fireflies. The flustered female watched those glowing creatures, their presence lit the garden like thousands of green lanterns. Bathed by the light of the full moon, the whole landscape almost looked ethereal.

She ran her fingers through her damp skin and pressed the back of her head against the soothing cool wall. Her eyes drifted close as she let a sigh escaped from her slightly parted lips. She could feel her blood boiling within her body, heat radiating from inside out, burning her delicate skin. She realized that she was at the beginning of her heat cycle, which might explain her shameless behavior that morning. As a princess, she had been taught to mask her own hormonal scent to avoid `trouble' with those unmated male in the palace.

`But even so…' she thought as she stepped outside her bed chamber, pebbles crackled underneath her bare feet. Even so, she could not escape the calls of nature…

Standing still in the open air, her eyes watched the starless sky, the blowing wind caressed her skin and tousled her hair. The pale moonlight shone on her silver tresses and her almost transparent complexion, making her appearance so unworldly.

`It is the perfect night for hunting…' she whispered to herself, eyes fixed on the full moon above. Her fangs lengthened, green orbs glowed red as her beast begged to be unleashed. Not wanting to waste such a beautiful night with just laying in her chamber, she raced towards the tall wall that surrounded the palace like a fortress. Using her left foot as a support, she sprung high above the wall before landing silently on the ground outside the palace, unnoticed by the patrolling guards.

`I want to go hunting…' she whispered as she flew over the field of grass, eyes searching for preys, her swift legs bringing herself closer and closer to the forest...

 

Meanwhile, a certain tiger youkai was resting on top of a thick tree branch, just on the rim of the forest. He lazily licked his bloody claws, happy after his successful hunting earlier. He observed the large pack of gazelle munching on a patch of lush grass down below, satisfied that they did not even notice that he had stolen one of their young members. He straightened up his back when he saw faint movements between the tall weeds, his eyes narrowed when he recognized this huntress. The wind blew and carried her scent to him, the scent of apple blossom filled up his senses. It was the scent that he associated with the princess of inu clan he had encountered twice. A smirk appeared on a pair of finely sculpted lips as he saw her slowly crawling towards the gazelles, her body crouched low, hidden amongst the weeds. She waited for a few moments before she pounced at the pack. Her youki flared, causing her preys to jerk up in alarm and run for their lives. It was clear that she had her eyes on a particular gazelle: a young one with beautiful shiny brown fur, as she kept a close distance to it. Her body floated over the grass as if supported by nothing but the wind, both of her arms thrown behind her shoulder to increase her speed. When she was close enough to the gazelle's tail, she leaped high in the air and landed with her claws on her prey's back, bringing it down together with her. The animal tried to wriggle its way out of her trapping arms, but she refused to let go. She bit the side of its neck, her arms tightened around its body to stop it from squirming. Gradually, its struggling ceased and it laid helplessly on the ground, waiting for death.

He arched one eyebrow and could not help but grin at her success.

`…Not so bad for a dog…' he thought. But much to his surprise, she let the gazelle go. She calmly watched it ran away to trail after its pack. Limp, but still alive.

He was even more taken aback, and slightly puzzled, when she turned to lay her back on the soft grass, rolled around and began to laugh joyfully. The sound of her laughter, exquisite and delightful like the chime of a delicately crafted bell, echoed in the silence of the night. He watched her bathing her whole body with the faint silver moonlight, amusement and interest grew in his sapphire globes. She sighed and closed her eyes, letting the moonlight shone on her creamy skin, creating a halo on her long silver tresses that fanned over the grass like a piece of silk blanket. She looked so happy, laying there in the middle of the vast meadow with the wind caressing her skin. She stretched her arms above her head and arched her back, as if she was trying to get more of the radiant glow. Her knees bent, one leg casually thrown over the other one, exposing her smooth, creamy thighs. She did not yet realize that there was a pair of sharp eyes watching her from a tree, not so far from where she laid.

He could not take his eyes off of her, he found himself mesmerized by how her beautiful skin glowed under the moonlight. Involuntarily, he let his guard down and a sigh escaped from his mouth, revealing his presence to her.

In a flash, she sat up, a pair of pointy ears twitched when she heard that one little breath. Her eyes scanned the cluster of trees on the brim of the forest and found him settled on top of a thick branch.

`…Shit.' He could only curse himself for his recklessness. For a few moments their eyes collided, neither of them dared to say a word. But she had already discovered that he was there watching her, and he had already learnt that he was caught in the act. Knowing that there was no point in hiding any longer, he jumped off the tree and landed gracefully on all fours. Slowly, very slowly, he crawled towards her, like a predator approaching its prey. Her glittering green eyes followed his every move, truly captivated by his grace.

She let him come to her, she did not move a muscle, not even to conceal the exposed parts of her body. The lower portion of her night robe was lifted up to her mid-thigh, and therefore leaving her legs bare to his view. But his eyes never left hers during his little journey to cross the meadow. When he was right in front of her, still in his crawling position, he finally let his eyes roamed over her body. During their previous encounters, he had never paid any particular attentions to her physique. But now, even though he did not know why, that was all he could think about. The smoothness of her skin, the sensual curves of her body…Slowly his eyes traveled from her slightly flushed face down to her torso, to the deep curve of her waist and her slightly flared hips, and those long legs that had appealed him so.

She let her elbows prop her upper body while she continuously watched him exploring her body with those bewitching spheres of blue flame. She remained still even when he took one step forward and brought his face closer to the nape of her neck, until she could feel his warm breath on her sensitive skin. She tried to hold back a sigh and let her head fall back, revealing more of her neck to him. He inhaled deeply to once again indulge himself in the intoxicating scent radiating from her entire body. He noticed her breathing had become heavier and the faint flush on her cheek had turned deeper. He made no effort to touch her, yet his warm breath made her feel as if he had slathered his tongue all over her skin.

He continued his ministration even lower, bringing his face down to the deep valley between her breasts. He could see the two round globes underneath the garment, the peaks of those beautiful mounds grew taut under the caress of his sizzling gaze, the thin and somewhat transparent silk robe she was wearing did little to conceal her compelling beauty. She subconsciously arched her back, as if begging him to touch her, and yet he refrained himself from fulfilling her silent pleads. Though very faint, he could smell her heated blood, he could hear the frenzied pounding of her heart, the sound of her blood streaming in her veins.

His head traveled lower to her parted legs, causing her to gasp, her hands gripped the thick grass beneath her when she felt his hot breath on her inner thighs. The scent of her arousal spiced up the air, arousing the sleeping beast inside of him and it called out for hers. Slowly she opened her eyes, only to see hunger in his glowing orbs. He looked positively starved, as if he wanted to devour her whole. She did not fear him, and she did not make any attempt to get away from him, for she knew that her inner beast had chosen him.

She laid her body back on the grass, with him still between her thighs. He was careful not to let their skin touched, but his every breath sent tingling sensation all over her body, causing her face to flush with want. She shut her eyes tight, her lips parted to utter silent screams, her arm extended to reach for him. But the thought of her grandfather and his stringent doctrines stopped her, leaving her hand clung limply in the air.

`…What am I doing…' she whispered to herself, a pair of moist eyes was watching the dark sky above. `…behaving shamelessly like this…I am acting like a lowly, wanton whore…'

She realized his hand was on the rim of her robe, slowly sliding the thin garment up her thigh to reveal her beauty even more. She let out a faint whimper when she felt his knuckles lightly brushed the skin of her inner thigh, just enough to send jolts of electricity throughout her already trembling body.

`…Grandfather would not approve…' she shut her eyes tight, but the words resounded even louder. `…Grandfather would not approve… Grandfather would not approve…'

His hand pushed the skirt of her robe higher and higher, causing her eyes to shot open.

`No…' she cried inwardly. Then her mouth was opened and this time, her scream scattered the stillness that enveloped them.

“NO…!!” And before he had a chance to uncover the center of her femininity, she moved her legs to conceal herself and accidentally, knocked his face hard with her knee. He made no sound of pain but he backed away from her, his hand covered his bleeding nose. His eyes glared angrily at her blushing face, as if he wanted to lengthen his claws and slice her into pieces. She straightened her back in an instant, hand lifted up to cover her gaping mouth. Not giving her a chance to utter her words of apology, he rose to his feet, turned around and stomped away.

She sat there speechless for a few moments, her gaze locked on his back as he left her. But then, she quickly stood up and went after him.

“Wait!” she called him, her hand reached out to tug on the sleeve of his kimono. He ignored her and kept walking, dragging her smaller and definitely lighter body with his every step. Not wanting to rip his kimono apart and caused more humiliation in her part, she left his clothes alone. All she had to do was quickened her pace, and she stood before him, blocking his way.

“Wait.” She repeated, though in a slightly calmer tone. She could still see traces of blood under his nose even though he had wiped the red liquid from his face.

He looked at her rather dangerously, his blue orbs blazed with flame of rage. He seemed deeply offended by what she had done.

“Move.” He sternly said, commanding her to make way for him to pass. She refused to move even one muscle, and remained where she stood.

“…I just want to apologize. It was not intentional.” She told him sincerely, rewarded with an arched eyebrow from him. Her soft, gentle voice seemed to sooth his anger a little, shown in the way he looked at her with eyes that contained less rage.

“You kicked me.” His voice sounded almost too controlled, but somehow she knew he had accepted her apology.

She dared herself to move one step towards him, once again earning arched eyebrows from the tiger. When she was inches before him, she had to look up to stare into his eyes. He was so tall, the top of her head only reached his chin.

Slowly, a tender smile grew on her lips and she raised her hand to wipe the trace of blood under his nose. As their skin almost touched, he seemed mesmerized by what she was trying to do. Their equally sizzling gaze collided, her gentle eyes and his curious ones. But before they had a chance to savor the feel of each other's skin, her hand stopped in the air and both heads turned to the side as they had sensed another presence.

She saw an elderly youkai with golden hair and beard standing not so far from them, it seemed that he had come from inside the forest. He looked stunned by the somewhat intimate scene before him, and she managed to catch the color of his eyes before he was down on his knees in an instant. He had the same eyes, those beautiful blue eyes…

“My utmost apology for the intrusion…” he quickly said, unable to hide the nervousness in his voice. His head was lowered to the ground, causing the inu princess to wonder why he had felt the extreme need to do so. It was as if he did not want to look at her…

So she looked down on herself and realized the reason why this elder had brought his forehead to flush with the ground so abruptly, and once again the pink hue on her cheeks suddenly turned deep red. The silk robe that she wore was so thin it barely concealed anything, and the moonlight shining above them was not helpful at all. What was she thinking when she went out of her chamber with nothing but a sheer piece of fabric? She might as well wander around the entire lands without a single thread covering her bare skin!

He stunned her by taking off his white cloak and wrapped it tightly around her body. She looked at him and nodded to show her gratitude, her hands clutched the cloak tightly as if trying to prevent it from going anywhere. He returned her stare with a straight face, although his mind was at a riot. His action had him surprised, just as much as she was. When he saw her almost naked body, when he saw Kishi there, when he realized that another male might steal a chance to gaze upon her beauty, his hands moved on their own to take off the cloak and wrapped it around her. He had felt possessive over her, he had felt that she belonged to him and only him, he did not want anybody else to take pleasure in seeing even one glimpse of her naked skin. All these emotions confused him, because she was not even his to begin with. Was he not the one who said that he did not want her as a mate? Then why did he act as if she was his?

“What brings you here, Kishi?” With those questions still in his mind, he asked his faithful vassal.

“You have been gone for a long time. The cubs and I were starting to get worried. I just want to make sure that you are safe…” Kishi answered, the poor ward still did not dare to lift up his face.

Ryoushin did not answer. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Shouri decided that it was time for her to take leave.

“…I should go back…” she muttered.

“Then, Ryoushin-sama…” Kishi said, and this time he lifted his head off the ground. “Maybe we should escort the princess back to her palace. It is already this late and…”

“She has two perfectly well-functioned legs…” he cut the ward's words short. “There is no need for anyone to escort her.”

The remaining two could only daze at his uncouth and straight-forward remark. With no more words, he left her. Kishi could only stare at his master who disappeared into the forest, then exchanged glances with the inu princess.

“It is alright.” Shouri calmed the confused servant. “Your master is right, there is no need for anyone to escort me. I know this terrain very well…”

Kishi nodded and bowed his head for the last time before he trailed after his master. Shouri stood alone with arms folded in front of her bosom, watching them until they disappeared from her sight. She heaved a deep sigh, and for the second time wondered why the wards were more polite than the master himself…

 

Inside a cave, after Shinsei and Shinzou had fallen asleep, Kishi did not waste time to start lecturing his master on that rude behavior earlier. He went to sit across the younger holy tiger who was quietly watching the crackling fire.

“My Lord…” he called him with a low, soothing voice. Ryoushin did not answer, but Kishi knew that his master was listening. “Forgive me for intruding in your private matter… but the lady you were with earlier… I think she deserves to be treated with a more polite manner than your other…” then he stopped for a while, trying to find the right word to describe what he wanted to say. “…conquests…”

The word put a deep frown on Ryoushin's forehead.

“What are you trying to say, Kishi?” he finally asked, his tone remained calm and composed.

“You have defeated her in the tournament, and you know you have every right to take her as your mate.” Kishi answered. “…But why you hesitate is truly beyond me…”

Ryoushin turned to look at the male who had taken care of him ever since he was born. “Take a dog as a mate?” he almost chuckle at the thought. “You know as well as I do that we do not mate outside our own circle. A holy tiger always mates a holy tiger. We will not have it any other way.”

“But my Lord… There is no more holy tiger…” Kishi's words reminded him of the fact. “We have roamed different parts of the world, searching for the survivors of our race for almost 300 years now… We found two so far, but nothing more… If…”

“Is this it, then…” Ryoushin mumbled, his hand wiped his handsome face. “Is it only the four of us left in this world…?”

Kishi did not say a word. It was sad to acknowledge the truth, but there was no point in fooling themselves even further. There were only four holy tigers left in this world, that was it. Only them.

“…I am afraid so, my Lord…”

Ryoushin let his eyes wandered to the sleeping cubs, whom they had found fifteen years back in the tribal lands of Mongolia. Those two were the first survivors they found after 280 years of searching, of wandering from land to land, from country to country. In fact, those cubs were the only ones they ever managed to find…

“…Five years…” he whispered. “…We will continue our search for another five years. If we still cannot find other survivors, then…it will be just like what you have said, just the four of us…”

Kishi looked at his master grimly. After searching for almost 300 years and found only two, it was hard to be optimistic and believed that they would surely find others.

“My Lord, please consider what I am about to say.” He softly spoke. “You have been waiting for a long time and sometimes this old servant worries that you will not mate at all. As long as you have your heirs, the legacy of our race will not dissipate into nothing…”

Ryoushin did not respond. He laced his fingers together and rested his chin against them, still listening.

“…She is not a holy tiger, true…” Kishi continued. “But she is of blue blood and she comes from a strong race. She will make you a good mate.”

“…A mate and children…” Ryoushin whispered. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he shook his head. `That is probably too much to ask, for me…' he thought.

“You know there is another reason why I choose not to mate, Kishi…” he muttered, fingers grazing the cursed tattoo on his forehead. The elder's eyes saddened as he understood what his master meant.

“But…” Even so, he still tried to argue.

“Enough said.” Ryoushin stopped him, although his voice remained gentle. “Enough said for one night, old man… You should go and get some rest now.”

But long after Kishi fell asleep, he still remained in front of the fire, thinking about what the elder youkai had said. He lifted up one knee to prop his chin, his eyes wandered into the flickering flame before him, but it was not the fire that his eyes saw. It was the face of the inu princess. Yes, she was fair… She was also innocent and naïve, which amused him so. And most of all… He recalled the look in her eyes when she was about to wipe the traces of blood off his skin. She had gentle eyes, and the thought of her warmed his heart.

`A mate and children…' those words would not leave his mind. `A family…' The warm thought almost curved a soft smile on his lips, but another voice prevented it.

`Power is the only thing you need to live…' the voice said. `Nothing more… your mate and children will only get in the way… Remember that.'

`Be quiet.' He commanded, but the voice only laughed.

`You are a fool if you think you can get rid of me…'

`Go to hell, where you belong…' he hissed inwardly, and the voice laughed louder. Just when he was about to utter another curse, he felt a sharp pang on his head, so painful that he thought his head was going to explode. It was as if somebody was pounding the inside of his skull with a big mallet. He cringed in agony, his hands gripped the sides of his head, trying to make the pain disappear. The ancient tattoo on his forehead had glowed red, as if scorched by fire.

“…No…” came his breathless whisper. “Don't…Don't come out…”

The corner of his eyes saw the members of his pack who were sleeping peacefully and he knew he could not remain there. He forced himself to get on his feet and staggered towards the mouth of the cave. But the pounding grew even harder, the pain was sharper than ever, causing him to drop on his knees, out of breath. He heard his laughter, his evil laughter… He tried to cover his ears but the devil inside of him laughed even louder as his effort was in vain.

While the pain in his head did not subside, somehow he managed to get himself out of the cave and into the woods, where he isolated himself underneath a tree, far enough that his pack was out of danger.

“Stop it…” he growled, burying his head between his knees. The throbbing in his head and the echoing laughter in his ears almost drove him out of his mind. “Stop it!!!” he roared, and finally, they left him alone. His hands were still tangled in his hair and his breath was still ragged, but for the time being, he was alone. He leaned the back of his head against the tree, his body damp with perspiration.

`You know you cannot get rid of me, child…' the voice whispered again, haunting him. But this time he smiled, slowly his hand reached out for a wooden dagger from underneath his kimono. And strangely, the voice silenced.

“You are wrong…” he whispered softly, gripping the dagger tightly in his hand. “You are wrong…”

 

Not a Monster

 

The sun rose sooner than it went down. It was summer after all…

Even so, the Forest of No Return remained dark. The dense leaves of the trees prevented the sun to shine underneath the weaving branches. Still sitting underneath the tree, on the same spot where he had remained all night long, he slowly opened his eyes. He was not asleep, he had never slept much in 300 years to begin with anyway. He only shut his eyes to prevent him from seeing things that were not even there.

But it was no use… he thought as he covered his eyes with the palm of his hand, a sour smile was on his lips. He still saw them anyway…

Slowly he rose up to his feet and decided to walk back to the cave where his pack should still deeply asleep, for it was barely dawn. When he reached the mouth of the cave, he saw Kishi sitting there, already awake, or had not slept, waiting for him. He saw the elder's chest heaved and fell as he sighed, relieved to see him safe.

“…Why are you not sleeping?” he asked, taking his seat next to the old, faithful servant.

“How could I sleep when I was not even sure of your well-being, my Lord?” he asked back, yet responded with nothing. He looked at his master, whom stared at the blank space, at nothing. There were dark rims under his eyes, a sign that he had not slept as well. Kishi knew very well that his lord's dreams were often troubled, something that happened ever since he was just a child, ever since that night of the annihilation. If it was not the dreams that troubled him, then it had to be the devil nesting inside of him. When that happened, he would stay away from his pack, and he would not come back until morning. Sometimes he would come back with a vivid stench of blood, and other times, like this time, he would come back clean just like he was supposed to be.

“Shall I wake the cubs so that we can leave, my Lord?” Kishi asked, after they both had been silent for a few moments. Slowly, Ryoushin shook his head.

“Let us stay for another night…” he said. Again, an unexpected decision even for him… They had no reason to linger, and yet he still wanted to stay. It had been long since the last time he was in this forest, and it would be a shame to leave without even exploring it further. And one more reason...Apparently a small part of his heart wished to have another encounter with that female inuyoukai. But the thought of it almost curve a sour smile on his lips…

 

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Even after 300 years not stepping his feet inside this forest, nothing had changed. Everything was still the same like how they used to be when he was little, when he used to descend the mountain to play inside the woods. The sun was almost set, again. Although it was not possible to see the sky due to the leaves blocking his sight, he could tell the time from the shadows on the ground. He was about to go back to the camp when Kishi came running, worry and fear were all over his face.

“…My Lord…!” his voice sounded distressed when he yelled out for him. “My Lord… Shinzou…!”

 

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As usual, the garden inside the eastern palace was quiet. There was not even one creature in sight, except for the female inuyoukai standing inside a small pavilion over a lotus pond. True, her body was within the walls of the palace, but her mind was inside the forest, wondering if the stranger was still there. She shook her head firmly, reminding herself that she had made up her mind not to go outside the palace tonight. For some reason, every time she ventured outside, she would always be the one who had to endure humiliation. She had better stayed within the protecting walls of her home, where there were little possibilities that she would shame herself.

Suddenly, she gasped when a pair of hands reached from behind her, one hand covered her mouth and the other snaked around her waist. She growled in anger at the thought of this intruder who dared to sneak into the palace and attack her like this.

“…Calm down…” he whispered, so close to her ear. “It is me…”

His familiar voice stopped her struggling and once he was sure she would not attack him, he loosened his grip on her. She turned around to face the male who was just occupying her thought, but frowned when she saw his face laced with worries.

“You have a lot of nerves to sneak in here…” she whispered back. Then she noticed that his hand was still on her waist, pulling her closer to him, their faces were just inches apart. She made no effort to wriggle away, and he shown no intention to let go. Her questioning gaze was on him as he held her there.

“…I need your help.” He explained, his voice sounded stiff, as if he did not like the fact that he had to go to her for help. She arched her eyebrows at his request. So now this rude and arrogant tiger came crawling for help…

“You came to me asking for help?” Her slightly mocking tone intentionally provoked him. But he only returned her stare grimly, letting her know that it was not the right time for playing games.

“What happened?” she finally asked him somberly, forehead frowned when she saw his gloom.

“The cubs you saved yesterday…” he spoke. “One of them, Shinzou, he is poisoned…”

“Poisoned?!” Shouri's eyes widened at his words. “Someone poisoned him?”

Ryoushin shook his head. “No…” he said. “When I checked him, there are small wounds from needles covering his right paw… So my suspicion is that he had found a poisonous porcupine in the forest and played with it.”

“Then it is a dangerous poison!” she exclaimed. “It can spread throughout his body in a matter of…”

“I know all these…” he cut her. “But I do not know the antidote. I have heard that poison is a big part of your country's martial arts. As their princess, you must know the antidote for that poison…”

She stared at him a little while longer, before she slowly nodded and reached out for his hand.

“…Come.” She said.

 

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About two hours later, Shouri kneeled down on the floor of a cave, cradling the now sleeping cub. After feeding him the concoction she made, the cub's fever had slowly come down and his life was now out of danger. She could not hide her smile when she watched Kishi scolding the elder twin, Shinsei. Both of the cubs had disobeyed the elders warning for not playing with anything unfamiliar in this forest. Fortunately, Shinsei was not stung by the poisonous porcupine.

Gently, she laid the sleeping cub on the ground and covered his still body with a blanket. She patted his soft, fury head before rising up to her feet and walked outside the cave. Her eyes immediately searched for the leader of the pack, and she found him sitting on a rock near the cave mouth, watching the darkness around him.

“…To tell you the truth,” he said when he sensed her approaching though his back was facing her. “When I went to you earlier, I was not sure if you would help me…” He stood and turned around to gaze at her slightly surprised face before taking two steps towards her. “Your grandfather had called me `abomination', surely he forbids you to make me your acquaintance…”

His shimmering blue eyes were glued on the motionless female as he slowly moved closer to her. “Besides, as you put it yesterday, I am the male who has shamed your honor. Why did you help me?”

Shouri could not refrain herself from rolling those beautiful emerald eyes at his queries which answers were obvious, at least to her. “…Well, I cannot let an innocent young creature die just because of your crude behavior, can I?” she responded while throwing him a deadpan look in the process. “I am not going to punish a ward because of what his master has done.”

By this point, he had once again stood so close to her. For a split second, he looked as if he was about to smile, but the slight curve on the corners of his lips was soon gone, leaving his face to remain somber.

“…For that…” he softly spoke and much to her surprise, inclined his head even though it was just a tad. “…I am truly grateful.”

His sudden display of gentility stunned her and when she looked into his eyes, she could see a smile there, though his lips refused to show it. For once, they were having a civilized conversation…

“Those cubs…” she said. “They are important to you…?” It was an unnecessary question, since it was apparent that he cared a great deal about his two youngest wards. She recalled his worried face when he came to her, when he looked after the sick cub, and his relief face when she told him that Shinzou would be fine.

“They are the future of our race…” he simply said, a futile attempt on his part to hide the truth that those younglings meant much more to him than just successors of a nearly extinct race.

“You are one of the holy tigers…” she stated, taking notice on how those beautiful blue eyes glowed in the darkness like a pair of torches lit by blue flames. “The one race that had passed on into legends…For many years we all thought that the holy tigers were extinct.”

“…Only the four of us are left, so it seems…” he said, eyes drifting into the sea of trees surrounding them. She did not utter a word for a few moments, fearing that she would reopen an old wound if she asked further questions about his people. But curiosity took hold of her. She wanted to learn his past, she wanted to know him, the real him.

“…What happened…?” her soft voice asked, causing a bitter smile to curve on his lips. His eyes wandered upwards, to catch glimpses of dark sky between the leaves above.

“…The holy tigers…” he whispered. “We used to be the one race protected by the Gods, we used to live peacefully within the barrier of the mountain. But one day, the dragons from the south came and slaughtered our people…” He tightened his fist, flames of rage grew in his eyes as he recalled those who had annihilated his race. “…About 2000 souls died that night…”

“But then…why didn't the Gods stop…” Little did she know, mentioning the Gods was not the best thing to do at the time.

She let out a muffled cry as his strong hands seized her shoulder and pushed her body to crash against the tree behind her. She cringed as she felt his claws sank into the tender flesh of her shoulder, her chin lifted up to stare at his suddenly enraged face. Her eyes widened and a gasp escaped from her mouth as she saw his glowing blue orbs turned amber. A deep, rich golden color adorned with black speckles that glowed like tiny shards of black diamonds…

“What do you know about Gods…” he hissed. His voice was thickened with so much hatred that it made her body shivered. “…Do you want to know why the Gods abandoned us…?” he whispered close to her face, hands still tightly gripping her shoulder. She tried to wriggle, but her effort only caused his claws to sink deeper into her flesh. She could smell the faint scent of her blood in the air and if he sensed it too, he did not indicate any sign of caring.

“…The Gods were bored…” he hissed again. “They crave to see pain and anguish… Apparently the mortals' cries and screams of death amused them so…”

She could only stare at him wide-eyed, her heart shrank when she saw him like this, so consumed with hatred and revenge.

“…You are hurting me…” she murmured, causing him to blink and gradually, his glowing amber orbs turned back to their original color. Slowly he loosened his clutching fingers and released her from his grip.

“I am sorry…” he muttered, guilt was in his face as he gazed at the stains of blood on the shoulder of her kimono, all thanks to his sharp claws. “…I got carried away…”

With her middle and index finger, she pressed each of her wounds to stop the minor bleeding. She gave him a quick smile to let him know that her injuries were not acute. Her smile was responded with one of his own, a rather bashful one, causing her to arch one eyebrow at the pleasant surprise.

“…This is our first return to this land after 300 years searching for the survivors of our race…” he told her. “I just happened to be inside your grandfather's territory when I heard that there was a tournament… I wanted to know how strong I have gotten after all those training. I did not intend to cause such a commotion…”

She took this as his effort to apologize and gracefully nodded to accept it. “It was quite an interesting change for such a tedious routine…” she said.

She turned her head away to watch the blowing wind rustled the fallen leaves and disheveled her hair. Her fingers tucked a lock of hair behind her ears, and noticed that the stranger was still staring at her, watching her. Just when she began to feel uncomfortable, just when her cheek started to warm, he spoke.

“If I did not participate, you would have won the fight against the eagle anyway…”

She was speechless just for a few seconds, but then a small chuckle escaped from her. She would have won against Kyoushuu? Again?

Well, not that it made her feel much better… The immaculate truth was that she lost to him, to this wandering stranger.

“Now that you have proven that you are strong, what are you planning to do?” Though she hated to admit, the thought of this stranger leaving left a big hole in her heart, and it made her feel lonely, somehow… A sliver of her hoped that he would stay, but he his answer was far from it.

“Soon after Shinzou recovered, we will continue our wandering and search for the survivors. After that…” he stopped, as if he was hesitated to tell her, yet he proceeded at the end. “After that, I will go back to the Mountain of Gods and avenge for my people…”

`Why am I telling her all these…' he wondered. `Why do I want her to know? If this is just an enchantment passing through…'

`…So he desires revenge…' she thought, taking steps that brought her even closer to him, their eyes never left each other's. “…What will you do after you get your revenge?” she asked.

He lightly smiled at her question. After he got his revenge?

“I have not thought of my life that far…” he answered, his hand slightly grazed the wooden dagger that was hidden underneath his kimono.

“…And why is that?”

He stared deep into her eyes for the longest time before he answered with his soft voice,

“…Because after I got my revenge, there is nothing to live for…”

His words stunned her, but there was no lie in those blue orbs. Even so, she did not understand.

“What about the survivors of your race? And the cubs…?”

He let a low, soft chuckle escaped from his lips.

“There are hardly any survivors…” he told her the truth. “And as for the cubs…”

He suddenly stopped, he could not continue his words for the pangs in his head had returned. That pain caused him to cringe and pressed his fingers on his temple. He whimpered quietly, hand covering one half of his face.

`…Be gone…' he commanded the evil within him. `Leave us alone…'

She frowned when she realized that he was in great pain. Her hand reached out to touch his arm, her eyes wondering what had happened to him. He staggered backwards, both of his hands were now on his skull, trying to make the pain subside. He saw her standing there, confusion and an emotion that was close to fear were clearly shown in her face. She looked at him as if he had grown two heads.

`I can't be here…' he thought as he kept moving away from her. He tried to cease the turmoil within his head, but it worsened instead. `I have to get away from here…'

He tried to push her away, he tried to get her away from him as far as he could. But she kept coming to him, trying to somehow sooth the pain that he had to endure. She gently cupped his face, but he denied the comfort her hands provided him, he had to.

“…Stay away…” he tried to whisper, almost begging.

“What is wrong…?” she asked him, her voice wavered. She did not understand what was happening to him, she did not understand why he was in such great pain. “Tell me what is wrong…” Her eyes widened as she saw the tattoo on his forehead started to glow red.

“Stay away from me!” he finally yelled out before he turned around and ran into the depth of the forest. Faintly he heard her called out for him, but he kept running, trying to get himself far away from her, far away from his pack.

She started to chase him when Kishi suddenly appear in front of her, blocking her way. The elder youkai kneeled before her, his face looked grim.

“Please do not go after him, my Lady…” he somberly said. “It is best to leave my master alone at times like this…”

She could only stare bleakly at the servant, still did not understand what was happening. She shifted her gaze towards the darkness of the forest, to the direction where Ryoushin had disappeared. She gave a weak nod when Kishi led her back into the cave and sat her near the fire while he took a seat across her. He knew that the princess wanted explanation for those questions that filled her green eyes.

“…Surely you know that we are the holy tigers…?” he started with asking her a question, which was responded with a nod. “But I doubt that my master told you that he is supposed to be the leader of our race, the 25th Eiou?”

The new information startled her, though soon she regained her composure.

“No…” she shook her head. “But what do you mean by `supposed to'?”

Kishi was quiet for a moment, watching the fire. She saw his eyes had saddened when he heard her question.

“…That is…”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

He kept running and running. At first he ran to get away from them, but now he ran to find preys, any living creatures who could satisfy his bloodlust. His eyes had turned scarlet, his lips had curled to form a sadistic grin, his claws craved to cut flesh and spill blood. All his senses were heightened, and he could smell his preys. They were close…

He increased his speed until he was no longer running, but flying from one tree to another, bringing him to destination in no time. Soon enough, he was standing before a family of bears. Two parents and four young ones…

`This is good enough…' he thought, his claws lengthened to their full extent.

Six pairs of cautious eyes stared at him, and as if frozen in terror, they made no attempt to escape. Slowly, he took steps towards the pack, his right hand roused in the air, ready to render the ground red…

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Shouri sat still even after she heard Kishi's story. Her eyes were glued to the crackling fire in front of her, yet her mind was on the cursed creature who had somehow gained her attention and care.

`So that is the curse Grandfather spoke of...' she whispered inwardly. She lifted her face up to look at Kishi. “Then the fighting technique that he used to defeat me… Was it Shiyuu's?”

Kishi shook his head and answered,

“…No, that was my master's. In a way, I think Ryoushin-sama regretted what he has done with the forbidden box… He does not want to rely on Shiyuu's power, and therefore he trained himself according to the ways of the holy tigers. He never borrowed Shiyuu's power to fight, for it can be unleashed only if the devil takes over his consciousness. But of course he knows that the more that happens, the easier it is for Shiyuu to take over his mind and body completely.”

“…That means earlier…” Shouri whispered. “Did it happen because Shiyuu tried to take over?”

“You see, my Lady…” Kishi explained. “Every so often, Shiyuu will try to take over my master's consciousness. And when that happens, the seal on his forehead will react and prevent the devil from coming out. That is why he was in so much pain. It was because of the tattoo on his forehead…”

Her heart clenched as she thought of him being treated like an animal. As if trying to tame him, the Gods had carved the tattoo on his forehead to torture him whenever Shiyuu tried to take control. Was it so different than whipping a beast whenever it tried to jump at its master?

“…And the forbidden fire that he unleashed…” Shouri began to ask again. “Can he use it without borrowing Shiyuu's power?”

“The fire had seeped into his body when he opened the box.” Kishi answered whilst nodding his head. “It became a part of him and it became his element, though he created his own techniques that differ from those of Shiyuu's.”

“…He taught himself how to fight?”

“He had a sishou when he was little who taught him basic martial arts. But as you have learnt, we were forced to flee from our home. When we escaped, we took 4 scrolls that contain secrets of the holy tiger's martial arts. Those scrolls were his teachers ever since…”

Shouri did not respond. Her eyes were glued to the darkness outside the cave, her heart wondered where Ryoushin had gone off to.

“…Is he…” came her soft whisper. “…Is he killing right now?”

“May be, may be not…” Kishi sighed before he added, “It is such a sad irony… We, the holy tigers, are peaceful creatures by nature and we do not enjoy spilling other's blood. To see my master forced to kill…” He shook his head slowly.

The fire had slowly died out for it had no more wood to burn, leaving a pile of black ashes on the cave floor. Kishi rose to his feet and smiled warmly at the pondering princess.

“I will go gather more woods… Please wait here, my Lady.”

Shouri nodded and watched the vassal went out to the forest to collect woods. She checked the cubs and found them both soundly asleep, for it was close to mid-night. She tried to sit still but her mind and heart were troubled. Slowly she went to the cave mouth and found Kishi had started gathering firewood not so far from their camp. Again she looked back at the two sleeping cubs, certain that they would not be in peril for Kishi was near. Quietly, she leaped into the night and raced towards the direction where Ryoushin had gone, following his trace.

`…I'm sorry, Kishi…' she said inwardly without even turning back. `…But I need to see him…'

It was difficult to trace a creature that had no scent, the only choice she had was to go deeper and deeper into the darkness of the forest. Just when she thought it was impossible to find him, her keen nose caught a vivid scent of blood. The smell of death was heavy in the air, causing her heart to cringe for she knew who had killed those unfortunate creatures, whoever they were. As the blood stench grew heavier, she decreased her pace until she was only walking between the trees. She had to use her arms to push aside all those densely packed branches before her, their leaves covered her view like a thick veil.

Her steps came to a full stop when she stood before a large, round field in the middle of the forest. She had to cover her nose and mouth for the stench of blood and carcass were too much even for her, a full-blooded youkai. The thick, almost black stain had wet the grass and splattered on the barks of the surrounding trees. She could only stare at the pieces of flesh and intestines that were everywhere, remains of what used to be some sort of creatures. She could not even identify what they were, for they had been disemboweled and shredded into pieces that were covered in blood.

In the center of the whole gruesome chaos, she saw him standing still with head raised to stare at the clouded moon, his back was to her. Blood had spoiled his formerly pristine white kimono and dyed his hair crimson. Red droplets of blood were still dripping from the tip of his claws onto the earth. He clearly sensed her presence, as he slowly turned to glare at her over his shoulder. The look in his face struck her, and she could not help but to stare back at him in terror, her slightly trembling hand reached for the hilt of her sword.

`…This cannot be him…' a wavered voice inside her uttered.

Blood had stained his face along with his body, but that was not the reason why she staggered. His eyes were scarlet, like a pair of ruby glowing in the dark. And that smile on his lips… The bloodlust smile of a slaughterer that would satisfy only after he had ripped the corpse of his kill into shreds...

She tottered backwards when he slowly turned his body around and moved towards her unhurriedly, taking his time with each step as if sure that she would not be able to escape. She took her stance and tightened her grip on Katsujinken, eyes locked on every move that he took. She did not even realize that her lips whispered his name,

“…Ryoushin…”

Her almost inaudible voice reached his ears and his steps halted. He blinked his eyes a few times and slowly the color of his orbs turned normal. He looked at her confusedly, as if he was just awakened from a long nightmare. But he recognized her, for he also whispered her name, causing her to sigh in relief and released the hilt of her sword. Carefully, she went closer to him, though she was still wary enough to keep a distance.

He looked around, eyes widened as he stared at the grisly massacre. The blood on his claws and his whole body was enough evident that it was him who did all these, it was him who slaughtered those innocent creatures. Even so, he still wished that he was mistaken, that it was not him who spilled all those blood.

“…Did I…” he started asking, but stopped since he realized that there was no point in denying the truth.

`So he does not remember what happened…' she thought as she looked at him grimly.

He stared bleakly at his trembling hands, all stained red. “…Those bears…” he whispered. “Those honey bears… When I was little, they were my…” He stopped and covered his face as his childhood memories, reminiscence of a happier times flooded his mind. “…I killed them all… And those 4 young cubs… I slaughtered them too…”

She was muted by his despair, she could not utter a word even when he dropped to his knees and as if possessed, started to delve into the earth with his claws. Like an insane being he kept digging, but his intention was clear. He wanted to at least give a proper burial for those creatures he had slain.

“…Ryoushin…” she could only whisper at the sight of his torment. Then she too, was on her knees to help him gathered pieces of the corpses and buried them. After all was done, he was still kneeling on the ground, unmoving like a mere body without a soul. She was before him, her eyes fixed on his lowered head. Their clothes and claws were sullied with soil and blood, the scent of death lingered on both of them.

Her ears caught the faint sound of stream, a sign that a source of water was near. She extended her hands to gently pull him up and led him to where the noise was coming from. He did not react to her touch and instead, let her guide him like he was a lost child. They kept walking until they found a small waterfall with a pool as clear as crystal. She dipped him into the pool, letting the water melt dried blood and soil from his whole body, slowly turning the clear liquid faded red. She did not even care that water had soaked her kimono up to the hips when she tried to wash her sullied-self. After they were both cleaned, she gently took his hand into hers.

“…Let us go back to the camp.” She softly said. “Kishi must be very worried about you…”

But he yanked his hand away and shook his head.

“…I cannot go back now…” he whispered. “…Kishi and the cubs will be in danger…” Like a frightened child, he refused to even look at her and kept his head lowered, droplets of water dripped from his drenched hair like raindrops.

He was adamant to keep himself far away from the cave where his pack was waiting, and so she remained with him. He sat down on the ground, his back leaned against a tree, his gaze was still lowered as if he was observing the earth beneath. She took her place across his, the distance between them were a few feet away. Her eyes never left him, though her heart wondered why she stayed. She could have gone back to the palace, she could have left him all alone and forget that she ever knew him. But instead, she stayed with him. Hours passed by in silence, until he opened his mouth.

“…You should not have gone after me…” he whispered, only loud enough for her to hear. “And even so, you could have left me here… hours ago.”

She did not know what to say, yet at the end she decided to tell him the truth.

“I want to stay with you…”

It was her gentle voice that caused him to lift up his face so that his gaze could meet hers. Then again, his head drooped, hand raised to cover his face. His eyes stared bleakly through the space between his fingers.

“…I am a monster…” his wavered voice sounded hoarse with unchannelled despair, his body slightly trembled. Slowly, she got to her feet and went closer to him. Again, she was on her knees before him, their faces were just inches apart. Her hand took his away to uncover his face. With the same hand she cupped that face, gently lifting his chin up so that their gazes collided.

“You are not the monster…” she told him, the soft pad of her thumb grazed the black stripe along his cheekbone. Once more, she told him. “You are not the monster.”

He closed his eyes to savor her touch, his hand was now on top of hers, on top of the very same hand that was caressing his face. She did not resist when his other hand combed her silky hair before settling on the back of her head, gently pulling her closer so that their lips met.

His lips brushed against her once, twice… She had to close her eyes for the kiss was so tender. She parted her lips, letting him tugged on her lower lip before gently teasing the upper ones. His arms snaked around her and pulled her even closer, earning a soft moan from her as she leaned against his body. This time, their kiss was different for he was much gentler and affectionate, a kiss that was chaste and unspoiled by lust. Before, like a stranger in the night, he was plundering, stealing all pleasures the sweet cavern of her mouth could offer. This time, he was begging her to let him in, and she willingly opened her mouth for him.

When they finally let each other go, she laced her fingers with his and leaned her head against his broad shoulder. He wrapped himself around her and let her face nuzzled in the warmth of his neck. She inhaled deeply and smiled when she smelled his scent for the first time. He smelled like fallen leaves in the autumn with a hint of rosewood, a strangely comforting scent… She looked up, only to see a pair of sapphire orbs drowned in dim, yet ever-lasting sadness, a pair of haunted eyes stared at blank space surrounding them. He shifted his gaze back to her when he felt her fingertips tracing his facial features.

“…What do those eyes see…?” her silky voice asked him, the back of her fingers grazing the smoothness of his cheek. He closed his eyes to savor her slow and tender caress, leaning slightly towards her, silently pleading for more of her gentle touch.

“…Dead faces…” he breathed out with eyes still shut tight. When the palm of her hand fully caressed his face, his eyelashes fluttered and his heart ached keenly as he saw her there, so close to him, her existence filled his senses. She touched her lips to his, the first time she initiated their kiss. Again, he had to close his eyes for the feel of her lips brushing against his, the way her hands stroked his back, all those sensations was almost too much…

He laid her on the ground with him on top of her, their lips refused to let go of each other's. As she was laying there with her back against the hard earth beneath, her arms were embracing his neck, and she knew that he was destined to be her mate for her awakened beast was calling out to his. And somehow, she knew that he felt the same way. His every drop of blood that was boiling within his body had chosen her, every inch of his skin knew the touch of her. Their locking bodies rolled on the ground, like two beast in the throes of their mating ritual. But he stopped all of a sudden, and before she could moan her protest, he rested his forehead against hers and whispered out of unsteady breath,

“…If we are going to do this…” He gazed upon this enchanting creature beneath him, her soft silver hair fanned underneath her body like a layer of silk spread. “…I want to do this the right way…We shall go to your grandfather.”

For a split second, he caught fear in those beautiful emerald orbs. She tried to sit up, forcing him to release her from his embrace.

“Then we shall go tomorrow morning…” Her tight voice could not hide her uneasiness and reluctance, though she agreed to face her grandfather together with him. Again he took her into his arms, letting her head to rest against the crook of his neck, trying to comfort her as best as he could.

“Now that we are here…” she whispered against his smooth skin. “…What will you do after you get your revenge?”

He tightened his hold of her hand, but said nothing for a few moments.

“…I do not know.” He finally answered, honestly. More silent moments passed by until he continued, “…But there is something to live for...”

She lifted her face to look at him, and she saw him smiling at her. He laid a kiss on her temple and gently pushed her head back on his shoulder, where she had found her contentment.

“…No more drifting, no more roaming…” she whispered as she closed her eyes, slowly let herself drifted into a peaceful slumber. “…We will go to a place where no one knows who we are… I will no longer be a princess, you will no longer be a wanderer… Only a male…and a female…”

He watched her sleeping face, his fingers were playing with the silkiness of her hair. As he recalled the words she uttered right before she fell into a deep slumber, his lips curved to form a soft smile. Slowly, his head bowed until it rested comfortably against hers.

…No more drifting, no more roaming…

Gradually he too closed his eyes, and after 300 years, his wish for a deep and dreamless sleep was finally granted…

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

In the main hall of the eastern palace, Shouri kept her gaze lowered to her lap, unable to return her grandfather's intense and enraged glare. She realized that she had disappointed him greatly, and even dishonored him. Not only that she disappeared for one night, defied his rule not to venture beyond the boundary of their lands, but she also brought with her the creature he despised and even banned from entering their country.

As for Ryoushin, he was kneeling down next to her, maintaining his calm and composed demeanor even when he had to face the furious lord whose hatred towards him was clear to everyone.

“…Lord Hyougo,” he opened his mouth to express his request. “We…”

But the lord did not wish to hear him, for his words were cut short.

“Be silent!” The taiyoukai's heavy and raging voice commanded him. His eyes narrowed into two emerald slits as he gazed upon the younger male with that ancient tattoo. The cursed, the abomination…

“I have made myself clear that I do not want you inside my lands. Although I have to say that I admire your courage, young one…or perhaps your foolishness, to bring your face in my presence…”

He turned to observe his still and quiet granddaughter. Her previously immaculate kimono was torn in places, soiled with dust and dirt. Those beautiful locks of hers were disheveled and ungroomed, her usually radiant skin was sullied. At that time, she looked more like a homeless creature than a princess. The lord then shifted his gaze back to the male stranger before him, who did not even flinch under his intense glare.

“I know why you are here…” he hissed. “You were about to say that you want to take my granddaughter's hand in mating. I will never allow that!” His tone was uncompromising, as unyielding as ever. Again, his gaze moved to his granddaughter, who still kept her eyes lowered to her lap.

“I have received a formal proposal from Kyoushuu.” He said to her in his commanding voice. “And I have accepted. He is to be your betrothed.”

Lord Hyougo's words caused Shouri to lift her face and stared at him in shock. Her grandfather had accepted Kyoushuu's proposal in her behalf? Such expression on her face caused her grandfather to growl,

“…Shouri, that is not a suggestion.”

The unexpected news caused Ryoushin to slam the palm of his hand against the solid wood floor underneath him, flame of anger started to rouse within his golden orbs.

“I have defeated that eagle youkai…” he growled, eyes glared at the eastern lord before him. “According to the rule of the tournament, I have all the rights to ask your granddaughter's hand in mating. I am more than willing to fight the eagle over and over again to prove that I am the winner of this tournament!”

Lord Hyougo chuckled at his fiery exclamation. His hand was rubbing his chin as he mockingly stared at the holy tiger, still young and foolish.

“Why bother?” He was dangerously calm when he countered Ryoushin's words, his hand motioned in the air to make a simple gesture. “I may as well just kill you right now and do us all a favor. Isn't that right?”

The lord's words struck his granddaughter, causing her heart to shrink as she started to fear for the male next to her. As for Ryoushin himself, he did not falter even after hearing the eastern ruler's threat. On the contrary, his tone was even more composed when he once again tried to convey his intent.

“…I wish to take your granddaughter as my mate.” Though calm, his tone held fortitude that would not dissipate under Lord Hyougo's daunting traits. Alas, his daring attitude only added more fuel to the already infuriated lord.

Driven by rage, Lord Hyougo rose to his feet so abruptly with his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw the blade and kill the cause of all the commotion. But his granddaughter's hand that was suddenly on his wrist stopped him from unsheathing his weapon. Shouri was down on her knees before him, looking up to him with pleading eyes. He clenched his teeth and commanded her to move aside, yet she shook her head and remained where she was. Her hand was still restraining his, preventing him from drawing his sword and cut her mate-to-be into two.

“…Grandfather…” Her voice was shaky as she begged him to stop, her eyes were wet with unshed tears. “…Grandfather, I love him…”

Lord Hyougo's eyes narrowed in palpable anger at her display of emotion. His other hand raised, ready to strike her for that disgraceful act she just committed to protect such a lowly being. His palm was just inches away from laying that one slap on her cheek when he suddenly stopped with his hand still hanging in the air. His eyes widened as the female he saw before him was no longer Shouri, but his daughter, Isha.

`It is the same as that time…' His mind whispered as memories of his late daughter came rushing back.

Isha had said the same thing… The resemblance between the two circumstances was uncanny. On that fateful night he took his daughter and granddaughter back to his lands. Everyday since, Isha begged him to let her and her young daughter to go back to the west, yet he never granted her wish.

`Father… I love him…' She had said, tears streaked her beautiful face as she spoke those same words, pleading him over and over again. And now she was dead…

The thought of his late daughter caused his hand to droop. Feeling drained and weary all of a sudden, he let his body staggered backwards and collapsed on his chair. He sighed and closed his eyes, his hand lifted up to message his forehead. When he opened his eyes again, he saw Shouri there, still on her knees before him.

`You are your mother's daughter…' he sighed inwardly.

Without saying another word, he left the main court, leaving those two by themselves. After Lord Hyougo had gone, Ryoushin went to her and laid his hand upon her shoulder. She turned around and tried to smile though her fingers struggled to wipe the tears that started to roll freely down her cheek.

“…I'm sorry…” Her voice sounded raspy when she tried to apologize. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head as his fingers slowly combing her hair.

“If it was our own daughter, I would have done the same…” he whispered, tightening his hold of her body. He hooked his index finger underneath her chin to lift up her face so that he could kiss her tears away.

“It will be alright…” he murmured against her warm tears. An empty comfort, it seemed, for he did not know what the Lord of the Eastern Lands would do…

 

Outside in the veranda where he used to find solace, Lord Hyougo was standing still, watching the serene landscape of his palace. His eyes did not leave the scene before him even when he sensed one of his generals came approaching and stood not so far behind him.

“…Never once have I thought that my granddaughter would grew up to be the same like her mother…” He murmured, without even turning around.

“…My Lord…” was all his general could utter.

“How they both fell in love with the wrong males was beyond me…”

Lord Hyougo turned to face the serpent youkai who was one of his most loyal followers and oldest friends. “200 years ago, you fought the Lord of the Western Lands while I was taking Isha and Shouri back to this land.” He said. “Tell me, what kind of male was my son-in-law?”

The serpent bowed deeply before he answered. “I have only fought him for a little while, but I can surely say that he is an honorable lord with a great valor. He led his men well.”

“…Is that so…” The lord's gaze wandered back to the garden, to the fortress surrounding his home. These walls had protected his palace for centuries, alas they could not keep his daughter and granddaughter within.

“If I may say, my Lord…” His general continued. “…Your grandson was also very brave, considering that he was still at such a young age.”

`My youngest grandson…' Lord Hyougo mused. `Sesshoumaru…”

“Rumors had it that he rules his father's lands now…” he spoke, responded with a nod from the serpent youkai.

“True, my Lord.” He said. “I have heard that he is a skillful fighter and feared by many.”

For a little while, his mind wandered to those lands in the west and the grandson he had never met, wondering why that current ruler of the western lands had not come to claim his long-lost sister yet, but more importantly… why he had not come to avenge his lost family members. Could it be that the news that his sister was still alive did not reach his ears? But the general's voice soon snatched the pondering lord from his realm of thought back into reality.

“…My Lord, what are you planning to do with Lady Shouri…?”

The question was left unanswered for quite awhile, for Lord Hyougo himself was in battle about his decision regarding his granddaughter. He heaved a deep sigh, fingers were once more messaging his forehead, trying to calm his throbbing headache.

“I cannot deny that I greatly disapprove of her choice…” he murmured. “…But I…” He closed his eyes as the image of his dying daughter suddenly appeared in his mind. He could still feel his heart bleed whenever he recalled her death, and the cause of it. “I do not wish to repeat the same mistake I did to her mother…”

For a little while, he let his eyes relished the beauty surrounding him. Knowing that he had made his decision, he turned to the general and gave him a slight nod. As he walked back to the main court, his heart whispered,

`This is the least I can do for your daughter, Isha… to atone for my sin…'

 

When Lord Hyougo returned to the main court of the eastern palace, he found Shouri and the stranger were still waiting in silence. His rage had ceased, though it did not change his view of the whole matter even one bit. He sat down on his chair, heart sighing heavily, eyes moving from one youngling to the other. When he spoke, his voice was much calmer and composed.

“You have a choice to lead a peaceful, easier life…” he said to his granddaughter. “As long as you remained in this land, my walls will protect you… I will protect you. But instead, you choose a path that may lead you two into misery…”

None of them said a word of response, but the elder youkai could see their strength of will even through silence. He sighed again, fingers messaging the bridge of his nose. Then he looked at the male stranger with his sharp pair of eyes, their intensity caused the holy tiger to lift up his chin and return the stare.

“…You will court her properly.” Lord Hyougo said in his most austere tone, causing the younglings' eyes to pop wide open and stare at him in disbelief. “And I would like to see that tattoo disappear before you make her your mate.” He added sternly, his fingers gestured towards the symbol carved on Ryoushin's forehead, commanding him to find a way to rid the curse that had haunted him for 300 years.

He nodded when he saw them both bowed in gratitude for his blessing, though it did not come from a pleased heart. But for now, they had his consent.

`You still have a long way to go…' Lord Hyougo mused as he warily watched them walked out of the hall. `It will not be easy, and no one will help you…'

`So now…' he quietly asked them with his eyes still glued on their back. `…What will you do?'

 

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The next morning, the sun shone like it was supposed to be, everything in the world revolved like nothing had changed. But the two youkais standing on the rim of the forest knew that their lives had changed, though whether it was for better or for worse was yet to be discovered. The female wrapped a thick, white cloak on her intended mate's shoulder, her pair of beautiful emerald eyes gazed upon him.

“…Promise you will come back to me…” She whispered in her gentle voice, almost pleading.

The male held her gaze still, his hands shifted to capture hers.

“You know your grandfather was right…” he said. “A cursed wanderer like me has nothing to offer you… No title, no lands…With me, you will no longer be a princess. But you do have a choice to lead an easier life, the one filled with peace and contentment…”

She laid her index finger on his lips to stop his useless words, for she knew her heart's resolution would never falter.

“…But for me, it would not be a life…” She murmured. “At least not the one that I want…”

He said nothing, yet she knew that he understood. His fingers brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, his eyes stared into emerald depths.

“…Now that you have my answer…” she spoke, their gaze still collided. “Will you promise to come back to me…?” Tears started to well up in her orbs as she waited for him to grant her his return. Slowly, he lowered his head to lay a kiss on her forehead, his lips traveled lower to finally capture hers in a tender, chaste kiss as a pledge of his devotion to her. He held her lips for as long as he could, heart sighing heavily as he forced himself to let her go.

She tried hard to smile as she watched him leaving, Kishi and the cubs trailed after him. Summer breeze blew from behind her, carrying him further and further away from where she remained standing. As if sensing her gaze, he stopped and turned around. She raised her hand and waved, a sweet smile was curved on her cherry lips, for she wanted their part to at least be a happy one. She could not see his face for he was already far away, and his figure was hidden underneath the cloak she had returned to him. Even so, she could feel those cerulean blue orbs gently caressed her, embossing her image vividly in his mind, something that would give him solace in times of darkness, until next time…

 

 

A/N:

Inu_wifey: Thanks for all the complements. I'm glad that you like the story! This chapter is still flashback scenes on Ryoushin and Shouri, but we'll go back to the main plot in the next chapter. Keep reading, and please review if you have a chance.

 

-Chiaztolite-