Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Of Legendary Creatures and Mystical Beasts ❯ Clouded Horizons ( Chapter 15 )

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Notes: at the end.

Chapter 14

Clouded Horizons

The rhythmical clip-clop of the horses' hooves resounded against the walls while their carriage bumped through Shanghai 's uneven streets, towards the French Concession, towards home.

Asiyah gave a deep sigh, relieved that finally their ordeal with their guests from Hell --literally speaking-- was over. She looked surreptitiously at Enishi, reclined across her, his head tossed back, eyes closed and his feet resting on the seat, by her side. Her lover seemed as happy as she was with their visitors' departure, and his looks revealed he had already started to relax. They were returning to the manor, after their last meeting with Shishio and their crew at the harbors. The demon and his followers were on their way back to Japan , and all she could think of at the moment, was getting a well deserved rest for both Enishi and herself.

'I'll take care of any potential risks later…'

They truly needed it, after the last four weeks of tensions and mind games.

'...and those damn dreams...'

Though she hadn't been able to talk again to the other Jinni, she hadn't ceased to suffer from those perturbing images during her sleep. They only added more material to her pile of worries.

However, the final toll of the battle of wills had not been as high as she had once feared. Several sharp verbal exchanges and taunts from both sides, some failed magic attacks from the sorceress, and a funny incident with the boy of the eternal smile --he would never understand how at one moment his sword was with him, and at the following it was on the other side of the gardens. Being a Jinniyeh had its advantages. After all, Jinni were the fastest creatures ever created1 .

No, the boy hadn't represented any real danger. Besides, she was sure Enishi would have disposed of him easily if the other man had been stupid enough to try anything. The sorceress had been a bigger risk to Enishi's safety, and she had been forced to watch out for her devious ways during their whole stay.

But Shishio had been by far the greatest danger.

If he had been serious about Enishi and her, she would be dead and the Beast, awakened and enslaved, not doubt at all. Asiyah wondered what the demon had up his sleeve to make him relinquish such a tasty prize. As much as he valued his sorceress and the little human pawns by his side, they were all replaceable. In addition, Asiyah was sure she didn't represent anything but a feeble obstacle to his power, especially after the threat he'd issued.

' What was it then? '

Had he been worried about awakening the mainland Clans' defenses? She doubted it. Shishio was a powerful demon and a Mystical Beast arose only once in a lifetime. Taking the opportunity to enslave one of these incredible beings was worth the risk involved. Why hadn't he done so, while he still had the chance? A shiver coursed down her spine, trying to imagine what the creature was preparing against them.

However, even more pressing than this was the urgency to learn how to awaken the sleeping Tiger spirit inside Enishi. That could be their only chance if they had to confront Shishio again or another danger of the same caliber.

Nevertheless, she faced another problem now. The Elders had always overseen the awakening and unions between Mystical Beasts and Jinni. They had done it since the very beginning of their rule, as another way to preserve their power, barring the rest of their subjects from the knowledge required to perform the necessary rituals.

And after the sentence that had condemned her to exile, she doubted that the Elders would be remotely cooperative. Even if she came to them with the Beast by the hand.

'In fact, I don't think they were even interested in him the first time they met him…'

If she, of all people, and with all her inexperience, could discover the spirit lingering inside the human male in front of her, it was impossible that the Elders had missed it.

' …and here comes another piece of the mystery… ,' she sighed, looking with disdain at the humans scurrying across the streets through the carriage window

She gave a quick glance over the relaxed form of Enishi. All in all, nothing made sense. Her dreams, the other Jinni, Shishio and his minions, the very existence of the Beast inside her lover, the Elders' attitude that almost caused the demise of the Beast...

It was evident that all were pieces in a big puzzle, one she needed to decipher as fast as possible for their own sake.

'The Elders…'

For one moment, a vivid image of the three old hags crossed her mind, making her shiver.

She certainly would not go to the Elders for answers or advice. Not even if she found herself in dire need of awakening the Tiger. The facts, or rather the strange implications of these, were too risky. She had the feeling that if she approached the Elders in order to understand what was going on, rather than protecting Enishi, she might be sealing his fate… as well as hers.

' Better not to tempt Destiny .'

There was an alternate option she might try though. Besides the Jinni, Mystical Beasts could mate with a human sorceress, so wizards and sorcerers of high rank also had the knowledge she needed. She was not entirely sure if this would be of any value for Enishi and her, since what might work for humans could be useless for a Jinniyeh. But it was worth a try. Of course, there would be a price to pay. There always was. The slimy wizards never let slip any chance to get a Jinni in their debt so they could get something valuable in return, which in most cases was ten times worth the wizard's original favor to the Jinni.

' And that's how legends are born… ,' she sighed, allowing her gaze to wander over the muddied alleys around the port.

This was probably the only chance a human had to bend a Jinni to his will, getting away with his wish, unharmed in the process. The fact had been enough to start all those annoying human legends about Jinni trapped inside bottles, or enslaved to human will. She hated those stories and the jokes about them too. Unfortunately, Enishi seemed fond of teasing her with such tales sometimes.

Asiyah had a strange, foreboding sensation about what could happen when she faced the sorcerers and wizards. As things were, and with all the recent strange occurrences, she was pretty sure that she would encounter an unusual reticence in them.

Still, there was a third possibility to obtain what they needed. The last, and most dangerous of them all, one she was ready to try only in the most desperate of circumstances.

Avoided by all other Jinni, due to their open and virulent hostility towards both their own kind and humans alike, a rebel Jinni Clan lived in a secluded realm within deep Mongolia .

Her own people whispered about them, when the Elders were not close, fascinated with the aura of mystery and legends that their existence created. Rumors said that this elusive people had risen in revolt against the other Clans, succeeding in a complete secession, and abolishing at the same time, all the ancient laws and traditions. They had gone so far, some people said, as to equal the rank of males with females. Asiyah did not know if the stories were true, but in case they were, and she was forced to ask for their help, she was sure she would like them.

'Of course, if we can meet them and get out of there alive, that is…'

As daunting as the visit to that Clan might sound, they could not discard it if her attempts to get information from the sorcerers failed. It might well be their last chance of facing Shishio successfully.

"Pensive, aren't we?" his voice, laced with tiredness, took her out of her reverie.

"A bit," she answered, "The next time you invite a demon, try to keep him far from your house. I have just lost two or three hundred years of life during this experience."

He opened one of his eyes, arched his brow, and then chuckled a bit.

"Don't worry. I'll keep it in mind," he said, a smirk plastered on his face

Though he still found those kind of comments rather disturbing, she had the impression that he was getting used to his new reality.

"Anyway, Shishio's departure came just in time." He suddenly straightened up in his seat. His smile widened, while a weird glint illuminated his gaze. "I have news. Great news."

"Oh?" All the tiredness was suddenly gone from his voice and now she found herself with her senses fully alert, waiting.

'At the rate things are going, nothing good can come out of this…' Asiyah narrowed her eyes, and braced herself for what would come out of his mouth. However, he was so excited about whatever he had to say that he did not notice her discomfort.

"This morning I got word from my contacts in Japan about Battousai's whereabouts. The bastard has been seen in the area near Tokyo in the past weeks."

His explosive laughter possessed a strange, incongruous mixture of deep joy and bitterness. But the dark feelings it conjured weren't her main concern. A few weeks ago, she would have rejoiced with him and helped him to concoct plans for the perfect revenge on Tomoe's killer. But now, everything had changed.

Her face surely reflected her doubts because he narrowed his eyes, all his enthusiasm quieting as fast as it had awakened.

"You don't seem very happy about this."

"Believe me, a few weeks ago I'd have been ecstatic, as much as you are now. Really," she patted his hand affectionately. "But after all that has been happening… We cannot afford this luxury. Not right now."

As she expected, his features darkened, while a wild anger shone in his pupils, promising a terrifying emotional storm that she would have to manage somehow.

"What the fuck are you talking about? You know I devoted my whole life to this moment. All that I suffered, all that I worked for to get to this moment, and now you are trying to suggest that I must give up? Are you mad or what?" He was fuming and before she could open her mouth he answered his own question, muttering through firmly clenched teeth, "Yes you have to be. Otherwise you'd never dare to mention it."

If glares could kill Jinniyeh, she'd be dead by now, Asiyah mused.

"Maybe I should have been more careful with my choice of words." She tried to appease him, "What I meant is that we can't do it now . Traveling to Japan before awakening the Beast is tantamount to committing suicide."

"Do you have the slightest idea of how damn elusive this son of a bitch is? It took the last eight years to find a substantial hint, something about his whereabouts. I won't risk losing him again."

"I understand your frustration and I'm not telling you to give up your quest. I'm just saying that you must delay it until we are ready."

"I'm damn ready. For the last fifteen years I've been working for the day when I could make that bastard pay. This is the time, and I'll take hold of this chance, no matter the costs," he asserted stubbornly.

"Have you heard a single word I've said? We'll be within a demon's territory, one that would do anything to have you as his slave--"

"I'm fed up with this!" he growled, interrupting her. "I don't want to hear anything else about this fucking magic business! Listen to me. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will stop me from achieving my goal."

"Are you deaf?" Her own annoyance started to show its fangs. "We will do what we must. But when the time is right. You are weak in your human form, a perfect prey to hostile wizards, sorcerers, Jinni… or demons. And I cannot follow you to Japan as things are."

"I thought you had promised me…"

His voice faded away, while he shifted his position. He stopped looking at her and pushed his glasses up his nose, using them to shield his eyes completely. There was a clear sense of hurt and betrayal beneath his anger. Before her own eyes, he had started to build a wall, isolating himself, and Asiyah found herself on the verge of panic.

She cursed herself for being so clumsy. She had never been interested in learning how to deal with delicate situations. After all, she had never been in a position that required diplomacy before. She had been a rebellious woman back in the Jinni Realm, and she had dealt with humans using either magic manipulation or a swift payback for their offences. However, if she wanted to keep him safe now, and by her side, regaining his trust, she would have to deal with him on a completely different level.

' And I'm not exactly doing it well… '

Asiyah knew he was wary about the motives that had brought her close to him since she had revealed his true nature and her own words were deepening the breach.

"Yes, I promised. And rest assured, I will fulfill my promise. But now is not the time. If we go under these conditions, you'll be exposed to such danger that not even I could prevent or stop. Even worse, my mere presence would only serve as a beacon pointing to you."

The dark glasses still covered his eyes, making it impossible to read the emotions shining in them. Worse still, he had changed to his 'professional mode', cold and calculating. He shielded himself from outer scrutiny in this way, and at the same time, was studying her, as she had seen him doing with adversaries and prey.

However, no matter how much he tried to cover them, his feelings were clear as daylight to her. Usually, a thin glow of grayish-black covered the forever bloody red outer layer of his aura, tarnishing it. It was bad enough as it was, the red of anger and base desires shrouding the brilliant silver of the Tiger spirit. But the red and the grayish-black tarnishing it were a direct symptom of how his soul had been left after Tomoe's death. He was in inner chaos, his nature hindered by his undying hatred for the same man that was causing their present argument.

"I'm not a fool. I know you have reasons to mistrust me. But I also have motives and all I do is to protect you."

"As if I needed to be protected…" he scoffed "I have all the protection I need. My sister is guarding me. I always managed to survive, against all odds, because she was there, guiding me to the safest course. I survived the war on my own. From the muddy alleys I rose to the top of Shanghai 's Triads hierarchy, all by myself, just with her shielding me from danger…"

"Alright. I get the point," she cut him short. "But you miss something in the equation. We are not talking about surviving the streets, or climbing up the ranks of criminal organizations. We are talking about a whole different universe, where good and evil mean something else outside your usual perception and the powers that clash are totally beyond your comprehension."

He was still furious, but at least listened. That was encouraging. So she went on.

"Where does this put us? Since Tomoe is always around you and warns us against danger, I agree with you. But there is something else I want you to analyze. If I recall correctly, you admitted that our paths crossed because of her intervention. In my book, this means that she thinks you need more help than whatever she can provide. And this, my dear, means that you must trust my judgment."

For a moment, he tensed as realization dawned upon him. Then, she saw him sink deeply in thought, pondering over her words. Yes, she had touched a sensitive nerve, one she had to exploit.

"Look, going to Japan was extremely dangerous, even before Shishio showed his nose here, because I'm a mainland Jinni and we aren't popular among my cousins in the Islands . However, I was ready to take the chance to follow and help you, no matter the risks and the costs. That has been my sole intention from the beginning."

She looked him squarely in the face and even though his eyes were still unreadable, he seemed to relax a bit, reassured by the conviction in her voice and the logic of her words. Taking advantage of the silent dissection he was subjecting her to, she continued explaining.

"You must understand, though, that once we are there, we would be facing not only my cousins and every hostile sorceress that might arise. They will be difficult, but I can deal with those. However, the real danger is Shishio. It's a miracle that he left Shanghai without dragging you with him and killing me in the process. I'm still wondering why he did not do so. But if we enter his territory, things will change. For the worse."

" We'll find a way to neutralize him. There must be one, and we both will plan it…"

"You don't understand yet… You saw him, you saw how difficult it was to keep things under control while he was here, and he wasn't even trying to cause me real trouble. I'm not a match for him here, where he is limited. In his territory, he will destroy me. But that's not my concern; I'll fight to protect you until the end. However, I'm afraid that even in this case it will be useless because he will take you under his control, and you'll be doomed."

"I'm already doomed, in case you hadn't noticed. I lost my soul and humanity many, many years ago when Tomoe died. And, in all sincerity, I don't care as long as I can accomplish my goal. I couldn't care less about the magical thing, unless it helps me to get my Justice. In any case, after all is done, I just want us, you and me, to start a new life, as my sister obviously wished when she gave you to me."

"But…"

"No more buts… We'll go to Japan as soon as Battousai is located beyond any shadow of doubt. So, if you want to help me, find the way to awaken the so-called magical spirit within me before our trip. I'm tired of being the one protected, while I should be your guardian."

Before she could protest, he finally slid his glasses lower and the steely turquoise glare that met her gaze told of an unbreakable determination.

"After I met you I realized something. I don't want a weak woman by my side," he said. "If I had a different kind of life, a traditional wife would be fine. But I'm a man with many enemies. A defenseless woman would be a liability. And I don't want a mere sex doll either. You are perfect because you are strong, yet refined and though you can be a royal pain in the ass, you are still obedient enough. And at the same time, you can be a good partner by my side. I like that. Tomoe was wise in choosing you. However, this is the exact same reason why you being in charge of my protection is so wrong to me."

"As soon as your true nature is awakened, our roles will be exactly as you want them to be. But in the meanwhile, you'll have to bear with it."

"I'm flattered that you care about me as much as you did when Shishio was around. Don't think I haven't noticed what you went through with them. But as I have never needed a bodyguard to protect myself, the fact that you are now playing that role is grating on my nerves. That and the fact that this whole magic affair might interfere in my plans against Battousai. I want a solution. And I want it as soon as possible. And this is all I have to say about the matter."

Asiyah knew they had reached his limits. There was no point in keeping the discussion going. He was determined to have things his way and she would have to follow him, no matter how unwise the move might be. Therefore, she had no choice: she must learn to awaken the Beast as soon as possible.

An uncomfortable silence floated between both for a long while, neither of them looking at the other, pretending to be interested in the landscape. She was obviously restless, her hands fidgeting nervously with the hem of her loosened duppatta. But he didn't feel inclined to do small talk. His frustration was still bottled inside, and a certain unfaithful sidekick of his would serve to vent it. He smirked, and there was more than a touch of cruelty in it.

The carriage made an unexpected stop and he grabbed the gun he carried on him at all times. Asiyah tensed up as well, ready to face any danger.

The guard traveling beside the coachman approached Enishi, reporting the reasons for their delay.

"A minor inconvenience, it seems," he informed Asiyah, closing the coach's door but not before a gust of cold air entered the small compartment, making him shiver.

She noticed, and without saying another word, took off the heavy brocade blue duppatta, and leaning forward, enveloped him with it protectively.

He stiffened, eyes widening in shock, his throat tightening painfully for a moment. Asiyah's gesture reminded him of Tomoe. How many occasions had he opened his eyes, just to see her silhouette outlined in the dark of his room, leaning over him, tucking in the covers to keep him warm?

Yes, it was clear as daylight. The gesture reminded him why his sister had chosen Asiyah. Tomoe's caring hands worked through her.

He grabbed her wrist, prompting her to stillness, a question lingering in her gaze.

"Will you come with me?" he asked in a whisper, looking deep into those emerald orbs of hers.

"I will," she said, keeping her gaze steadily fixed on his.

Without letting go of her wrist he coaxed her to sit by his side, with her hand resting on his lap. He let his gaze wander on the busy streets again and then he talked softly.

"That's all I ask from you. Your support and company. I don't need anything else. I have to fulfill Tomoe's wish for Justice. A justice that wasn't granted to her by the Heavens, but which I will deliver with my own hands. This is my goal. Mine."

Asiyah was silent, a worried frown still settled on her face. He needed her to understand. He was far beyond taking risks at this point. As long as he could achieve his goal, everything else was a minor nuisance, solvable. He had worked towards this objective his whole life. And now, all the pain, the humiliation, the unmentionable horrors he had endured were about to reach fruition.

"It has nothing to do with you, and I don't expect you to take part in it, if you don't feel like it. But I have to. It has consumed me all these years. I cannot stop now."

She simply nodded, but worry was lingering around her. He could sense it, taste it.

He had to reassure her, and then he revealed her his trump card. He wasn't so concerned with Shishio to the point of relinquishing his life's purpose. But that didn't mean he was stupid either.

"I managed to place someone inside Shishio's organization," he said. "And I'll be meeting with him in a couple of weeks in one of my bases, outside China 's coasts.

He gave her a sidelong glance, measuring her reaction. Asiyah narrowed her eyes, and a pleased smile dawned on her lips.

"I shouldn't have expected less from you. You are one sly dog…" she chuckled

"I figured that having an eye on Shishio would be useful."

"Indeed. But this won't solve the real problem. However, I'm thinking of several courses of action that could be helpful. There are some sources I could consult," she said. "I'll keep you informed on my findings."

"That's exactly the way I want you to think," he smiled, now turning to face her, and she rewarded him, giving the smile back.

Enishi reclined in his seat again, and closed his eyes, still holding her hand.

"I've been trying to get an appointment with Lord Berry ."

He groaned, and opened one of his eyes. Though he preferred to deal with the usual nuisances in the realm of the ordinary, it didn't mean they weren't still annoying as hell.

"Let me guess… His Excellency has a very busy schedule and can't spare the time to meet us," he snorted

It was not about the money, just a question of where each one stood in Shanghai 's hierarchy and he'd be damned if an arrogant white barbarian would humiliate him again.

The bastard should have given more credit to the rumors running in the streets. He smiled cruelly, remembering the daring Frenchmen at the beginning of his career as Dragon Head of a minor triad branch. They had tried to blackmail him, expecting that he'd agree to pay, like the rest of the minor bosses working in the area, to be allowed to conduct his business deals in the Concession. But he knew better.

After they had arrogantly presented themselves at his house to excise the payment, he had invited them in for lunch. They had easily taken the bait he had served them, thinking he was showing the obsequiousness and submission of most of the Chinese bosses in front of the all-powerful Westerners.

But he, as a Japanese citizen, had a different status too, and that had allowed him to be less cautious, something the Frenchmen learned too late. Their food had been drugged and soon enough they had found themselves in the basement's dungeons, where he had taken delight in dismembering them slowly, before killing them, in front of his main subordinates, to teach them a lesson too. Two days later, he had held a banquet for the other bosses of minor gangs, and they had been amazed at the quality of the meat he had served as part of the dishes. He smirked, recalling the horror-struck faces of the other men when he had uncovered the main trays, with the lifeless heads of the unlucky Westerners on them. At the meeting, he had announced he'd collect the dues the other bosses in the area had agreed to pay to Frenchmen, and the sight had convinced them it was safer to agree.

With that bold move, he had secured his place among the big wigs of Shanghai 's underworld. He knew most of the others saw him as an upstart, but he didn't care. He had never acted out of greed or ambition. His goal had been just to cement his position, gain respect among his peers and put things in perspective for the Westerners, which in turn would help him to achieve his ultimate goal smoothly.

This was the root of his present dilemma. He could not allow the Englishman to get away with his deed, unless he wanted his power contested by the rest of the bosses. A challenge or an open rebellion was the last thing he needed at the moment.

Frenchmen were Westerners, but they had considerably less influence than Britons did. The impact of the sudden disappearance of two minor officials of the French Legacy wasn't exactly as great as a direct attack on the British Ambassador. But, he had that already solved. He didn't need to raise a finger on the slime ball.

'Knowledge is power, indeed.'

And he had that knowledge.

He'd make sure that the Englishman learnt the lesson, and lived to regret having caused him to lose precious time.

"Alright, little one, leave this to me. You already have your share of problems to deal with. I'll make him a proposal he can't refuse2 . We'll be going to pay him a visit shortly."

AN: Believe it or not, after a whole year without updates, the fic is alive. I had some bad times that made impossible to touch this fic for a long, long time. But I'm back.

I only ask you for patience. There is another chapter already translated and finished and almost ready to be posted.

I want to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart to all those who didn't give up on this fic and are still reading it.

My deepest gratitude to Kamorgana, Jenn, Michaela and Gracey, for helpful comments, and the wonderful work they did beta-reading this chapter for me, and also to Mary Ann for being there. Thanks for your faithfulness, your support and sincere friendship. You gals are fantastic.

To all those who reviewed the last chapter, thank you for your kindness and your time, and from now on I'll answer your comments and questions on my LJ. Take care, and until later.

1-As it's stated in Qur'an (surah/chapter 27, The Ants, verses 36 to 40) when it narrates the story of the Queen of Sheba. This also explains Kenshin's God-like speed.

2- I couldn't resist the reference to The Godfather…