Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Of Legendary Creatures and Mystical Beasts ❯ To be or... not to be? ( Chapter 8 )

I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, bla, bla, bla...

Notice: Be warned. It will include violence, some uses of it profanes language, and will include some extent of explicit sexual contend. So keep on reading at your own risk.

Thank you for your kind reviews.

Please, make me happy and review this…

I will be working on my second fic, Sakuras on White Snow soon, so stay tunned.

Thank you to those who made suggestions and comments.

Hana, Mara, a very SPECIAL THANKS TO YOU.

And go to Tales of the Meiji Era site. They have moved to a new server and have very good pieces it is worth to look into. So go and update your bookmarks!

Thanks to you too, MIR!

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Chapter 8: To be…or not to be?

The ship rocked steadily, the sound of its bow piercing the now tranquil waves of Chinese Sea ripping through the darkness of the night.

Whispers, voices rose over that sound, carried by the breeze.

- It's very, very, very unfortunate... - a masculine voice grunted

- I had invested a lot of time in him... - the woman's body was hiding the man's one

- He was a real moron. In fact, we should congratulate ourselves that he failed now. Think about the mess we could have stepped into had this happened in a more delicate moment. - a second man was added to the conversation

- Definitively. However, it is an unfortunate, incredible loss ... I can't believe he had failed. We practically gave him the man's head served in a silver tray, he only had to severe it!.

- According to our informants, somebody helped the dealer. - a third voice, much younger and with an almost jovial tone joined to the previous ones.

- Xian? We should have eliminated the old devil at the same time

- Oh, no, not. It was not Xian. It was a woman.

- A woman? A woman! - There was a mixture of indignation and incredulity flowing through the second man's voice - Ah... The whore, that's for sure! We shouldn't rely on that kind of women-

The stare of the female near him almost scorched him to death, but the man didn't flinch a bit.

- The slut that we hired was burnt to death on the house in a very odd way. The fire had affected nothing else in the rest of the room. Most surprisingly, the woman that helped him, allegedly his official lover, was supposed to be at her home at the moment of the attack, miles away from Yukishiro's house. -the youngest in the group intervened

- What do we know about her?

- Nothing. There are not records of her existence before her appearance in Beijing. Rumor has it that Yukishiro met her in a reception given by the British Consul to Shanghai and from then on he protected her and her business officially. Strangely enough, some sources keep insisting she's the same woman that rescued him from the desert helping him to return to Dunhuang. They also inform that Yukishiro had been obsessed with finding the desert's woman, and during his quest he found the same answers that were given to us: basically nothing. However, he stopped his search when he met this woman, who is a jewels dealer. Of course, it is unlikely that both women are the same person, since one of them was seemingly a wild nomad traveling the Silk Route, and the present lover of Yukishiro is a beautiful and sophisticated woman according our sources.

- Maybe he found this one more interesting than the wild nomad… I would…- said the first man; touching almost casually the silky skin of the beautiful woman sat by his side with his fingers. - Anyway I want that as soon as you are in Shanghai you watch and study her carefully. Try to learn as much as you can about her. Collect every little piece of information about her, any bad habit we could exploit to our advantage. Take note of her vices, either if she consumes opium or alcohol, if she is indebted with him, if he forced her to stay with him, if she is ambitious, any expensive likes she might have or any addiction to the power... or to powerful men. Her sexual behavior, if she is loyal to him or has any other secret lovers… Everything. Then, Yumi will work on what you find. Every human has a price or a weakness to be used against him or her. It is a mere question of finding out and taking advantage of it appropriately.

- Heishin had been so easy... - said the woman - It's a pity that we should begin anew.

- Wails are a waste of time, a weakness, are unworthy of the strongest ones. Houji, Soujirou, leave immediately. We will stop here for the following two days. That will buy you the time to prepare my arrival and find out the things I've asked from you. Take the trunk with the telegraph, and keep in touch me every night at the fixed time. That will let me to take in advance the appropriate measures.

- Understood, Shishio-sama.

Then, the men called Houji and Soujirou left, covered by darkness of the night. Another ship was awaiting them, anchored at short distance from the first one. Their trip to Shanghai almost had reached its last stage.

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Only three days were left for the meeting and there were too many things yet to take care of...

They were waiting for their client's emissaries. They would arrive anytime soon, and she was in a hurry to check the last details for their guests' visit.

Asiyah registered mentally the arrangements made for each one of their guests, the kind of food they have ordered and those "special requests" their visitors had made.

It seemed everything was all right.

However, she was well aware of the fact that smallest details were the ones which ruined the best-planned meetings.

She had a long list of those to take care of yet. She went through the pages on her lap paying attention to every detail in them.

- It is two in the afternoon and you had not eaten lunch yet. - Enishi's tall figure blocked sunlight, preventing her from continuing her job. She raised her head only to be met by his slightly concerned gaze.

- Ah ... I have lots of things to do yet... I can't waste any minute now.

- You have lately been skipping meals and sleep due this meeting. I don't want you to continue such behavior. It does not please me at all. - he looked at her with a serious stare to continue in a softer voice- Everything will be fine. I trust you. You had always managed these things very, very efficiently since you are in charge of them. This time will not be different from the past ones. Besides, I want you to shine... They say that our guest brings a very special lady. I am sure that she is not a match for you at all ...unless by the time of their arrival you keep those blue rings around your eyes you have right now.

- I do look bad, don't I?

- I would say rather pathetic in fact- Enishi had now an amused smile plastered on his face

- Thank you very much for you compliment...

- Don't mention it, you really deserve it. - he chuckled lightly

Enishi called the old Chinese housekeeper, and taking the papers Asiyah was holding on her lap he gave them to the older woman. Then, he hooked his arm around Asiyah's one, driving her out of the house. A tablecloth was disposed under a tree. A complete, smoky meal was awaiting them. They kneeled on the cloth, and she served the meal for both.

Things had changed greatly between them from the moment they shared that chat at the clinic.

Enishi still was the same insufferably obsessive, rough-around-the-borders, antisocial man… but not quite.

He had been always aware in the past of every and each need or wish she could have, carrying them out subtly before she could even ask anything, but now he was meticulous twofold towards her.

On the other hand, he had been opening himself to Asiyah, being less and less cautious and distant towards her. He had even behaved with a certain amount of affection; in his very personal way ...and only if they were all alone.

He had told her about his story, in fully creepy detail. That made the hairs on her neck stood on their ends. What she heard convinced her to take the place that Heishin's sudden retirement had left in the organization, in spite of her initial reluctance in participating on these 'business'. Obviously she would do it from the shadows, since her gender would never allow her to do it openly in China.

Enishi had surprisingly offered the position to her since he thought intelligence was the most important resource and it had no gender. To think otherwise was to waste the most valuable recourse. He told her she was smarter than most men he had met, certainly than any other male in his organization, so she was the one and only worth of the position.

His kind flattery succeeded at last, and she found herself accepting his offering but on the condition she would retire at the moment he got his revenge.

She would make it only because of Enishi and Tomoe's sufferings. Her involvement would end at the moment that the merciless murderer who killed Enishi's sister got his retribution. The man who sunk him into an existence of agony and unspeakable sufferings, turning his hair into silvery white due to pain, would paid dearly for all that. She would make sure about it.

Then, if the bonds between them developed as she expected, they would look for a distant place and they would begin life anew, together.

- I left a new dress in your room.

- Thank you - Asiyah sighed.

- I know you can have whatever you want by snapping your fingers, but I would like for once you honored me wearing actually something I chose myself for you. If you find I missed your size, then let me know, and I will take you to buy whatever you want next time...

- No, the size is perfect.-

<Too perfect, in fact>- She thought

- Then the problem is…- he further pressed the issue

- They are quite… revealing, if you know what I mean.

They were too tight, marking in such detail the curves of her breasts and hips that she felt almost naked when she tried to wear them. Besides the deep cuts left her legs impudently exposed[1] to her knee as she walked.

- I didn't say you should wear them to leave the house. That would not please me at all. - he was looking into her eyes intently now- To be honest, I have been expecting you to wear them in any of those occasions we spend some time alone after dinner.

She blushed intently, by the implied meaning. He wanted her to dress in them solely for him.

Although he had always behaved as a perfect gentleman, his interest in her as a woman grew unmistakably with each passing day. From time to time, he performed any action or dropped any remark that made it clear he wanted their relationship to be actually consummated anytime in the very near future. His suggestive stares and comments were more and more frequent during past weeks.

However, as ruthless he could be with his enemies, cold and calculating murderer when it suited him, he was in his own very odd way, attentive and tolerant with women, especially with her.

She thought the tragic demise of his sister played a significant role in such behavior. He used to restrain his harsh temper to some extent when women were around.

He was used to take what he wanted without asking, but she knew somewhat that he never took any female into his bed by force. It simply wasn't his style.

She was aware however he always got what he wanted; he only changed his means to achieve his goals according the situation.

Asiyah knew his impatience heightened with each passing day, and it was only a mere question of time to give up to his subtle but persistent suggestions if she really wanted to stay by his side. And she really wanted it.

She expected to become her actual consort at the moment in that the Great Tiger was ready to wake up.

But Enishi was really far from such a state, his mind sunk in confusion, anger and destructive desires.

He had only recently opened up to experience another type of feelings with her, those that she needed to be ready for his awakening, sharing feelings with her that could really be considered of friendship and sincere affection... but only when they were totally alone.

Though it was not the best of moments she realized there was not any other alternative except to give in, resisting as long as she could, hoping that in the meantime some event triggered the awakening of the mystical beast.

To be honest however, she was actually interested in going further in their relationship. She found herself blushing furiously at the thought realizing it wouldn't help her in her resistance attempts.

However the worst thing was that he was aware of her feelings, as in that very moment, the mischievous glint in his eyes speaking by itself.

That's why he persevered with his subtle approaches.

- Anyway, the one on your bed is more... proper, just for a formal meeting. It is for tonight's dinner. I expect you wear it.

- Oh... Well then, I will use it if it is really... modest. If it is not, you will have to wait the guests leave us alone.

Enishi chuckled, shaking his head lightly. He felt delighted at the very feminine modesty of that strange lady; so different from the women he used to be in touch with.

It was promising.

However, he only hoped her to be less bashful and modest with him.

- I found Heishin's "private" deals records... - she said casually- He trusted his earnings to our good friend the British Consul, so we can say goodbye to that money. The English dog has not given any signal or step to give it back. We cannot do anything against him it without facing unpleasant consequences...

- We'll see... I don't believe Lady Berry would be pleased if her husband's private activities become of public knowledge...

- I already attempted to...

- No, dear… I'm not talking of his dubious opium and slavery deals...- he interrupted her- let's only say there are much more delicate issues involved… they are more intimate, to say the least. If they were known they would tarnish the reputation of a whole high society British family. A Peer is involved. I have proofs and witness...

- Any white British won't take Chinese women as witness seriously...

- Oh, no, no, no, little one. Nobody cares if British gentlemen have some 'affairs' with Chinese women. In fact is to be expected from any respectable European man. You know what they say to their maidens when they marry: spread your legs and think in England.[2] Some interesting things are not expected to be performed on respectable wives usually, you know. But we men still like these things, so we usually find someone willing to give us such pleasures. - to his amusement Asiyah blushed an interesting shade of crimson, just two tones above the color of her hair- Speaking personally, I would prefer to have a wife clever and willing enough to please me in every way I could wish. Anyway, I found somebody in England, as British as Queen Victoria, and he actually is not a woman... though I really think he would love to be one. He is ready to open his mouth... By the way… he is the son of a British Peer. Lord Berry 'abandoned' him… He want a payback. That is the beauty behind this whole affair... - the cruel smile of Enishi allowed her to see his white, perfect teeth.

- Oh... What a surprise... - Asiyah murmured in total embarrassment. There were things on the Berrys that she really preferred to ignore. Suddenly a thought crossed her mind - Does your hand reach to England...?

- I have always believed it was useful to know the weaknesses of those who could pester my life at any given point. I made sure to be able to use these things against them if required. There are a lot of people in the Syndicate that deal with the Englishmen directly. It is not difficult to obtain the appropriate information. We will make a social visit to Lord and Lady Berry after our guests from Japan leave us.

- Speaking of which...

- No, stop it. I said it is enough for the day, and then it's enough. I want you to take the rest of the day for yourself, even tomorrow maybe. Give something to do to the servants. I pay them for that.

- Yes, I know, but they should be overseen...

- They will make it right. They know the consequences of their slackness. You, I want you to rest right now. It is not a suggestion. Boss' orders. Once our clients arrive, I will need you constantly there. That's why I prefer that as long as your presence it is not urgently required, you try to rest and relax. I want your mind ready and awaken for the moment I might need it. Maybe this system does not allow you to be my business partner openly, but we both know that you were born to fill that place.

- I don't like to be involved in these things. You know that I'm only doing this for you, and to honor your sister's memory.

- The time of achieving Justice is near, my dear. Be patient, and bear it with me. - As every time he heard her talking in such way he felt deeply touched. Their faces were so close that they almost come into contact with each other's. He brushed tenderly Asiyah's cheek with the back of his hand - Only a few months, only a few months and we will be free... I received very promising reports only two days ago. I am expecting confirmation. It they are truth, the wheel of fate will begin to turn... and we'll finish this so quickly that you will think of it as a bad dream only.

He let his hands rest over her shoulders briefly, to slip them slowly downwards through her arms, making her shudder visibly. They looked at each other's eyes for what seemed an eternity, until Enishi broke the charm, taking both hands from her forearms, to lean forward. Cupping her face with both hands, he brushed his lips lightly against hers, as if probing her reaction to his touch. It was the first time that he really approached her so intimately. He expected some amount of surprise, even a timid rejection but instead she tossed her arms around his neck seeking for a deeper contact, while she entangled her fingers playfully on his silvery strands. He got the impression she was just longing to do it from a long time ago.

Faced with such clear response, his kiss changed from a cautious, chaste approach, to an avid, spicy one, fully matched by her in every little flick of his tongue. He made her sit on his lap while they embraced passionately each other

- It is… it is not... fair! - Enishi's voice sounded ragged and hoarse when they finally broke the kiss. His smoky glasses couldn't hide the wild fire shining in his eyes - I am fully aware that you know I have been waiting patiently this answer of yours for weeks. Now you decided finally to give the step at the time you know I cannot entertain myself in any kind of distractions!

- Who said life was fair?

She chuckled lightly, giving him a roguish stare, to let her head rested on his chest afterwards. He let slip her dupatta to strike her shining hair gently, taking finally in her scent as he had longed for so many months, as he hold her close to him by her waist with his other arm.

She knew that there would be no turning back; no second thoughts would be accepted now. Though he was the one who had begun the game... she couldn't help herself and stepped passionately into it, in spite she knew it went against of all her good judgment.

Now, she would face the consequences.

- Ah... you are such a naughty, naughty girl... darling... I think I should teach you a lesson later… Maybe tonight we could discuss about it. If you want to, that is. - the soft touch of his palm traveling from her waist to her hip emphasizing the true meaning behind his words sent shivers down her spine. But he was giving her the chance to refuse to play the game

- I thought you said that you didn't want any distractions... - she played little at hard-to-get, knowing in advance he wouldn't fall for the trick. She didn't want him to either.

- As a businessman I recognize an opportunity when I saw it, and I seize it whenever it arises… But again, the decision lies at your hands. It's for you to accept or reject my invitation.

She felt her cheeks burning, and a certain amount of embarrassment at the undeniable desire arousing in her.

Asiyah shut her eyes tightly, letting herself go. She couldn't deny her own need any longer and leaning forward, she kissed him hard, drawing a surprised, sharp intake of breath from him at her unexpected behavior.

- How interesting… - he whispered into her ear, after breaking the kiss- I bet that was a 'yes'…

The wicked smirk while his fingers touched tantalizingly the skin under the sleeve of her garment and the melting stare he gave to Asiyah made her to swallow hard.

- Yukishiro-sama- the groom interrupted them, calling Enishi from a cautious distance, with his head bowed to the ground. He didn't want to get his master's anger interrupting him in a personal moment - The carriage that will take you to the port will be ready in fifteen minutes.

- We should better get ready to receive our guests.

Asiyah jumped from his lap pretending to dust off her clothes.

She knew he was studying her flushed face through his half opened eyes, a lopsided grin in his lips, looking forward what the night would bring them.

He grabbed her, passing an arm around her waist before entering the house, to press her firmly against his body. Then he whispered huskily into her ear

- I will be returning home with them around dinnertime. - he made a pause, looking at her significantly. His voice was a deep croon playing through her senses- Make that dinner as brief as you can. That won't be difficult considering that they should be tired because of the trip. We will speak with them about our business tomorrow morning. Remember to follow my advice. Rest well, my dear. I can assure you, you'll need it.

- I will keep that in mind.

- Good. You'd better do it.- he chuckled, letting her go to enter the house. He turned to see her right in the eyes, getting serious, and taking her hand he kissed it just in the palm, making her shudder at the soft touch- I promise you won't regret your decision, darling. I will take care of you as my mate from now on.

She said goodbye to him in the front door formally as usual, but their eyes and fleet touches spoke volumes.

She sighed deeply, when the carriage was lost from her sight. Despite Enishi's advice, there was not time to rest. She had to get ready... It would be a long, long night.

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His eyes were fixed on the landscape, passing by the carriage window, but his mind didn't register it. His thoughts were drifting far way from there; they were in fact still stuck to the events on his house's gardens that afternoon.

The girl would be his before the night ended.

He smirked.

The timing was far from the ideal, but as he had said to her, he seized every opportunity when it rose.

After her acceptance during that afternoon, it was the time to conclude the matter between them.

He had thought it would be tougher to get her consent, though he was aware long ago she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He knew though she was refusing herself to give in, which puzzled him greatly. He wondered about her reasons, but he could only guess.

However he was sure it wasn't social conventions that made her to refrain herself.

She wasn't even concerned with following humans' social rules, which he had to remind her from time to time to avoid further complications.

Besides, everyone thought they were already lovers, especially after Heishin's attack.

The story of her appearing from nowhere to save him spread among his men, despite his efforts to hide it.

Only a few ones knew the truth about their relationship, and they would keep their mouths tightly shut.

Thus, her behavior kept him wondering. She was a really complex woman, a challenge.

And he certainly loved challenges.

She had that lovely shyness, blushing at his stares and comments every time he dropped one (which he did rather frequently since he figured the effect on her). He loved to see her reddened cheeks. He could even imagine her flushing face over the pillow of his bed later when he whispers on her ear his suggestions on how to pass the night.

Yet, she barely concealed her desire that day, in fact she acted rather boldly.

That explosive mixture promised a very interesting night ahead.

Beautiful, sensual, smart, powerful… and dangerous.

The perfect combination to spice up a man's life he thought, as a wide grin spread through his features.

He tried his best to discover her true plans, but she was really cunning and slippery. Enishi could tell she smelled his intentions long before he could even try them on her.

Young as she may seem she was acting as a seasoned diplomat, avoiding carefully any problematic spot, sneaking from his grasp every time he thought he was about to find out anything on her.

That had turned the situation into an enticing game, making her more desirable to attain.

But as everything involving her, their situation was unusual.

Once he learn about her true nature he develop some amount of suspicion, especially at the reasons she held to save him twice, but then he remembered Tomoe's choice.

After that, he couldn't help but to grow attached somewhat to her during those last weeks.

He told her about his past quite reluctantly, but he knew she would find it out eventually.

It was wiser to be the one telling her about it then.

The fact that she was moved to tears when he told her about Tomoe's fate and his life after that event touched a chord inside him. He had expected rejection as he usually caused around him, but instead he got unpredicted sympathy and commitment from her.

It was then when he decided to offer her Heishin's position.

She was sly, smarter than most men and her mind registered and took care of every little detail. But the actual reason that made him to do such proposal was the anger, the sadness and the decision to help him he felt arising in her when she heard about his story.

He had never believed in premonitions, or judgments founded on feelings. Anyway, he had never believed in the existence of legendary creatures as Jinni. And now he was living with one of these under the same roof… and he soon would be sharing more with her too.

Therefore, after failing to get loyalty through money and fear, he would try that new path.

Now he got used at the sight of the Jinniyeh and the ghost side by side, close to him when he was working at his desk on his library.

And strange it might sound that sight made him feel somewhat comforted and not lonely anymore.

Yes, it would be good to consummate their relationship that night; especially because he had the unusual feeling that he had found his partner for life in her.

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Four days after the conversation between Shishio Makoto and his men, they were placed around a high, large western style wooden table, next to their hosts. Yukishiro Enishi was situated on one end and Asiyah on the other one, while their guests were at their sides.

The dinner elapsed almost boringly, with them barely engaged in formal and polite conversation about the trip, weather and some news about Japan's politics…

Anything but the brilliant and sharp conversation that she used to keep to relax the customers before any deal.

Enishi was far from being pleased

Asiyah had been unfocused and definitely distant during the whole dinner.

Enishi had few doubts about the reasons behind her behavior.

He could feel her emotions stirring around her being, her ki jumping with anxiety.

Enishi realized his mistake.

She was too young and seemingly inexperienced considering her constant blushing, and he was too openly forward during their afternoon meeting about what he expected from her that night.

Although she seemed to be ready for the next step on their relationship, now it was clear he got the wrong perception.

Maybe he would have succeeded in seducing her easily if he had waited their usual chat after dinner. Enishi was sure she was so responsive to him that afternoon because he caught her off guard. Had he pushed her to the point of consummating then, without giving Asiyah any opportunity to think about what was happening, they wouldn't be facing the unproductive consequences developing before his eyes.

She was ready and eager then.

However, after he left the house she had plenty of time to change her mind about the situation and to get scared regarding it.

He wanted to kick himself into oblivion for his own idiocy.

He found himself in the worst scenario for a business negotiation, with his personal affairs affecting his professional activities as they were now.

He thought it would be better to postpone things with her for a couple of weeks, and then to move forward cautiously. By the time they were freed of Shishio's presence, he would conclude his affair with Asiyah. Because since he figured she was willing, he would make certain that she became his woman.

However, his main concern now was the business with his Japanese customers.

Therefore, from that moment on, he would focuse only in the deal.

He would need some extra training that night at the basement to drive out his frustration…

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Finally, after eating the desserts she guided Sadoshima Houji and Seta Soujirou, the emissaries of their client from Japan, Shishio Makoto to their rooms.

Then she returned, looking for Enishi.

He was not in any of the usual places. It took half an hour for her to find him, down in the basement. His Chinese jacket was gone, hurled on a bench, replaced by one of his tight training tops to favor his movements. He was wrapped in sweat, engaged in heavy exercises, as if he was trying to get tired on purpose.

- I thought we had a date...

- Oh, well, you are not the only one with such idea. I also thought it, till we sit down to have dinner. - he had stopped his training when he saw her going down the stairways. He couldn't help to show disenchantment and a bit of suppressed anger on his voice- Somehow, I understand. I pressed you too much during past weeks, being too forward, making comments and acting boldly. Let's talk about this after Shishio's departure. Meanwhile, you will be able to think thoroughly if this is really what you want. I will be able to understand you if you decide to step out before we try anything. But if you are not sure and you still go ahead and then you try to withdraw, I will be very disappointed. I will accept it if we try and then things don't work out between us. We would part company in that case. At any rate, I want you to be absolutely committed if you decided we can move ahead. I know I'm. This is not about sex, though you are aware of how attracted I feel to you and to be honest, I'm admittedly a bit... eager. I'm also conscious you noticed it. Maybe you feel pressed by this, but don't. You know I can buy sex, if I wished to. But this is not what I want right now. You are alone. I'm alone. I already told you my story. I know yours, at least part of it. I'm not a man for romance. You already know it, and I know you don't even expect this from me, so let's speak out clearly. We get along very well, and I am really interested in exploring this... but I will never force you. Honestly, I think we actually are a couple to some extent; we only have to finish that part of our… affair. This afternoon you made me think you were ready and as willing as I'm, but maybe I got the wrong impression. Perhaps you need more time to figure things out. Therefore, try focus yourself in our business and relax about our... relationship. Take your time, think about what you want, what you really want. Then, we will talk when things get more peaceful around us. Now, you go to your room and rest. I... I will stay here for a while.

Definitively he needed to vent his frustration... He would require at least three hours there to calm down. And the good old cold bath, obviously.

- Enishi... Yes, I am tense, anxious, and a bit panicked. You not even know how much I am. But it's not due the reasons you imagine... These people... your guests from Japan… they are not what they pretend to be... There is something... wicked, a malevolent aura that surrounds, envelops them. I feel them as a threat to your safety. The boy is... He gives me goose bumps. I don't trust them.

- Well, little one, you are perfectly aware what kind of business we are doing here. I'm positive you are not naïve concerning that. Obviously, none of our customers is people to be trusted. They are murderers, wanted criminals or revolutionaries. They all are dangerous and potential enemies. It would be foolish to think that given the chance, any of them wouldn't try to finish me off. - he frowned. He was convinced everything was an excuse of hers - We are used to this kind of people, and we always managed to avoid any treat or danger. The boy is Shishio's number two, and it is very efficient in his job. A first class assassin, as reports say. I am warned and ready to finish him off if necessity demands it

- Enishi, I am not talking about the usual threat. I know you are the best; the strongest, the quickest, and you can destroy almost any attacker by yourself. But I am talking about a very different kind of threat. One that you cannot face alone because you are totally defenseless against it. Let's go to my room, I will give you something that will protect you to some extent, if you find in any situation that you cannot handle in the usual way.

Enishi followed her, rather intrigued. She opened one of her mysterious large trunks, those that she kept thoroughly chained and locked. Asiyah took two objects from it, a ring with strange patterns engraved in the internal face. The exterior surface however was a simple flat-golden band, without any carvings on it. She asked him to take off the small ringed earring he used to wear and she passed a small bright trinket through it.

- Oh, no... Forget it. I won't use that awful thing in my ear. I'm not any savage from the Southern Seas...

- I didn't know you were so picky about these things... Though, you have given me a pretty good idea... It would be interesting to try some tattoos on you, as those people from Polynesia made on their... - his death glare made her giggle - It's a joke! C'mon! Don't be so grumpy and dark all the time. Oh, well, what the Hell...

She shrugged, and touched the bright little jewel. It changed to a more conservative black and white round shaped object. It had the traditional Chinese symbol for Tao, representing the balance of things.

- Is this tasteful enough for you, Boss?

- It's not funny - he inspected the earring carefully, not totally convinced- Is it absolutely necessary to use this... this thing?

- I don't want you to take any risks. Thus, you'll use it. - He knew she would make certain he never take it off- It is said it will avoid most of spells that witch and wizards can try against other humans. It also can help against demons, but those are far more dangerous and complicated. I really hope we never find any in our way. As for the ring...

- It's too big... - Enishi played with the jewel on his finger, looking at it with little if any enthusiasm.

- It will adapt to your finger as soon as you become his master. And it won't obey to another one than you starting from now. - she murmured some words and indeed the ring fitted perfectly to Enishi's size - This ring could mean the difference between life and death. I could say the same concerning the earring. You should never take them off. The ring is very special, although you will be able to make use of it once so I would recommend you to use it wisely and if there is no other alternative left to you. It can open a magic portal and to take you out from where you could be trapped to any place that you chose. Any questions?

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. His gaze was still fixed in the jewel on his hand till Enishi slowly locked his eyes on hers

- To be honest, I am still wondering if our guests were the real cause of your anxiety at the dinner.

She smiled, she cupped his face on her hands, and she leaned forward locking her lips above his starting a burning, deep, spicy kiss while he hugged her tightly.

As soon as they broke the contact, she saw him smiling pleased.

That was all the encouragement he needed.

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Sadoshima Houji, known by his friends and foes as Houji of the Hundred Senses, packed carefully the device again. It was advantageous that Shishio-sama was a man shrewd and rich enough to be acquainted with new technologies. To carry that small transportable telegraph with them was an excellent idea beyond any doubts…

The hostess was an ordinary little girl. She seemed completely overwhelmed by the place and circumstances Yukishiro made her live in. She had behaved with nervousness, almost shy and isolated from the conversation, looking at Soujirou with particular persistence when she thought that she wasn't being seen.

Their reports point out that she run a fine jewels' business. They wondered who had arranged it for her. Surely, it was a reward for her 'favors' from any former lover that ended at Yukishiro's hands as much as she was now.

The reports also indicated that Yukishiro had a particular obsession with young girls. The facts seemed to fit flawlessly into the big picture

That girl without style or refinement would be utterly destroyed under the splendid light of Yumi-san, Shishio-sama mistress'.

As it was apparent, Yukishiro held her by his side through fear, so it should be easy to come closer to her.

She showed some amount of interest in Soujirou, who seemingly was of a similar age range with her. It would be convenient that the boy was the one to begin the approach.

After their report, Shishio-sama gave its approval to move ahead with that plan, thus in the morning they would begin to do some probing on her.

- I don't know, Houji-san. There is something… odd in her. I don't believe she is what she pretended to be. Her ki is very strange ... I admit however she was truly nervous and rather fearful. Maybe we are right, and she is some kind of whim to Yukishiro. But I got the impression there is any other thing bothering her.

- What do you think we should do concerning this?

- While you visit the ship with Mr. Yukishiro tomorrow morning, I will be in charge of exploring the possibilities regarding her.

- Well, Soujirou, it would better you return to your room. We'll be in contact again with Shishio-sama tomorrow night, just before the arrival of ship.

Both men separated, and the youngest returned to his room, enveloped by the corridor shadows.