Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Of Legendary Creatures and Mystical Beasts ❯ Lifting the Veil of Mysteries ( Chapter 12 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin, which was created by Watsuki-sensei, and whose rights belong to Sony, and other big names. Asiyah, however is of my exclusive property, and if you want to pick the character, please ask me first.

Asiyah is currently playing 'guest star' in two other fics: The Right Side (by Mara) http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=703394

and To Love you Again http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=637853 (by Hana Himura). Check her fics (not only those, they have other wonderful fics, so take your time and read them all!).

As always I remind you that there are currently some fan art related to the fic that you can visit.

This is the latest addition, made by Jo-chan (Guadalupe García), as a birthday present to me: http://www.mediaminer.org/fanart/view.php?id=109165

Hello, minna!

I'm sorry for the delay.

What can I say? I found that my usual method of translation wasn't working as I would have liked. So I took this chapter and I finally ended re-writing it from the scratch for the English version. The original plot in every scene is still there, but many things have changed in the dialogs.

I hope you enjoy this.

My usual thanks to all my readers, the old ones, and the new ones: Chri, Angie, Goddess of Stupidity (oro… I must admit that this is a surprising pen name, Goddess…), Michaela, Midori, Hana, Wombat, Fuji(funmum), Susan, Nyu Al, Jason (of COURSE!!!!! I would not forget you!!!) an everyone who is reading and (hopefully) enjoying this, Thanks A Lot!!!

Thanks also to those who had to bear the pre-chapter and correct my bad grammar and awful mistakes, stick in hand… (well, that's just what I deserve after putting them though this misery…). Wombat, Michaela, Fuji(funmum) Thanks to you all for your patience and hard work!!!!!!!!!! If this is readable, is thanks to them.

Thanks also to Jason M. Lee for helping with Chinese honorifics, and Wombat also for helpful hits about Chinese clothing at the time period. Look in the footnotes for some interesting links she provided me with.

To Michaela and Guadalupe, a big special hug, you are the best!

Conventions

****flashbacks****

< thoughts >

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Chapter 11: Lifting the veil of mysteries.

To her complete despair, Tomoe had been right.

The situation was far worse than she had expected.

At the bottom of the stairway stood her worst nightmare.

Because she was certainly facing a powerful witch, but the most distressing thing was that the woman was being shielded by a demon, and that fact was just happening in the middle of Enishi's house hall.

Asiyah's nape hairs rose up, at the very moment that the red eyes settled on hers. The evil aura that surrounded that malevolent spirit had almost choked her.

The mutual recognition was instantaneous. The dark creature's quick grasp of his sword-hilt spoke as loudly as the witch's stifled shriek about their annoyance at this awkward meeting.

Sadoshima's and Seta's expressions showed they were clueless about what was truly transpiring.

Asiyah realized immediately they had no idea whom they where actually serving.

Enishi's tense features and burning eyes told her she would have a hard time with him in the very near future. Soon she would have to give him some explanations that she'd hoped could wait until he was in inner harmony and disposed to understand them.

With a supreme effort, she composed herself and stepped down the staircase, faking a polite smile to their guests. Asiyah could almost hear Enishi's internal sigh of relief.

Anyway, the introductions were tense indeed, and her consort's knotted eyebrows confirmed her earlier suspicions about the explanations he would require later from her. It was easy to tell how upset he was at the twist of the events developing in front of him.

She was tempted to take Enishi with her, running from the house as fast and far away as they could go, leaving their guests in Mei Lin's hands.

However, she knew better. That was not a solution.

If the demon had come to take Enishi, a fight was only a matter of time. It was obvious that they hadn't expected a Jinniyeh to be guarding him, but it was painfully obvious to her that she was no match to such an adversary. She could destroy the witch easily , but the demon…

Sighing, Asiyah gestured to Mei Lin and took the old housekeeper with her, so she would not have to show them to their rooms by herself. They made the way to their rooms wrapped in an awkward silence, and after leaving them in the company of the maids appointed by Mei Lin, Asiyah and the Chinese woman went back through the corridors to the main hall.

The words of the old woman took her off her reveries

- It is not easy…

- Mmm? What?- Asiyah looked slightly puzzled at the housekeeper

- If you think that your efficiency in organizing events or your abilities in bed are enough to be the true woman of a man as Enishi da-ren[1], you are wrong, young lady. You were very clever to keep yourself out of his reach long enough to elicit his interest, but I know exactly the type of woman you are. You only want his money and power. However, if you want to keep the place you have reached, you will need more than your young flesh or cunning mind. You are not meant to be the one for the master. You will surely desert him in hard times. Besides, you won't be able to fulfill all his needs. Perhaps you think you are better than the other women who had set foot in his house because he lets you stay here, but behold! You should not take anything for granted. He is clever, and will notice when you try to put your hands on his property. Then he will get rid of you, in a blink, as the scum you truly are.

<Perfect… Just perfect… just what the doctor ordered: a background fight with some kind of step mother in law while preparing for my own demise at a demon's hands…Someone, please shoot me>- Asiyah thought, rolling her eyes.

- May we have this chat in, let's say, a couple of days? I'm just not in the mood today…

- I'll be watching you, and I'll catch you at the moment you try to cheat on Enishi da-ren.

- I will tell you this, old hag, - snapped Asiyah- You and I have the same goal. We both want to keep the master in good health, and for that to happen you should concentrate on the guests. They are not all they seem to be at first glance. They are the real threat to your master. Take care of their necessities personally, and keep me posted about any behavior you find suspicious or strange in them. Now, get out of my sight.

- Only my master could order me about such matters. You only can instruct me about the house or the servants.

- Well, I think that chat that you and I have to share will be longer than I originally intended it to be. Then, if you survive it, you won't want to question my authority anymore, old hag…

She stopped and turned towards her quarters, leaving the old dragon sneering at her barely concealed threat.

It was of no use to go on with the discussion, anyway. However, she'd make sure that the woman received the appropriate orders from Enishi himself. Shishio and his friends should be kept under a watchful eye.

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Soujirou watched in wonder at Yumi, who was pacing the room agitatedly, as some kind of wild caged animal, while she nervously twisted her hands.

Shishio-sama looked the same as always, with no signs of the anxiety plaguing Yumi. However, he could tell that his boss was somewhat worried by the red glint in his eyes and the way he played with his pipe.

This was an unexpected turn in events, Soujirou thought.

Both Yumi and Shishio-sama had exchanged strange looks after he reported about the failure in watching the girl. He kept himself pondering in puzzlement for a long while, because instead of the reprimand he expected for his lousy performance, they had only commanded him to stay as far as possible from her.

- Sou-chan, keep yourself out of her reach.- Said Yumi-neesan, surprising him

- But…- Soujirou tried to protest

- Just do as you are told- Soujirou was shocked at Shishio-sama express order

He knew after the first night in the house that something was unusual about the little red headed woman. However, he didn't understand why someone could be as worried about her as Yumi was.

On the other hand, he knew better than to question Shishio-sama's orders. In due time he would be told everything by his boss, so he didn't ask any more questions and walked obediently to his quarters when he was told to do so.

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Once Shishio and his woman were alone, Yumi finally exploded with the surprise, rage, and incredulity that had been locked inside her being ever since she'd seen Yukishiro's partner.

- I just can't believe it! How can this be possible? If we had encountered him alone, we could have taken advantage of the situation, but with a Jinniyeh around… It's a complete disaster!- her voice had a high pitch, a mixture between anger and fear.

- Calm down, dear.- Shishio gave a long drag on his pipe- It's pretty obvious that she knows what we are, and that she is the keeper of the Beast. However, it's even more obvious that the Beast has not been awakened. We could still have a chance.

- I'd never have believed that Yukishiro could be…

- Despite the fact that it's been centuries since the last Beast had been incarnated in a man, I knew that three of them had been born within the last forty years.- he seemed oblivious to her frantic pacing around the room, concentrating, as if trying to remember something very important- Yet, they all were born in Japan and I used to know who they were and who used to protect two of them. However, the shock I suffered when I merged with the Hitokiri[2] made me forget some of these things.

- Three!? Three Beasts?! In Japan? Why I didn't know about it before?- Yumi almost squealed

- Well, only the elite wizards and sorcerers inside the Councils and Clans, and the closest to Iblis among demons knew about them. The Bakumatsu was started by us in order to get the Beasts for our side or destroy them in the attempt.

- Well, Yukishiro is alive and doesn't seem to belong to your Juppongatana either. Not to mention, dear, that I have the strange feeling that with the Jinniyeh at his side, he'll never join your followers.- the woman sneered, sarcastically.

- We'll see my dear, we'll see. Yet, if I cannot get a hold on him before his awakening, I'll have to destroy him… and his mate. It would be a waste of resources, though, so we'll try to catch him somehow.- the bandaged man paused thoughtfully- I wonder how he managed to escape from the Council of the Islands…

- Do you remember a small riot called the Bakumatsu?- snickered Yumi- There was so much confusion at that time… You are aware that at the same time when ordinary people was at war, there was another war going on among sorcerers, wizards and Jinni in the Islands.

- Well, that was our aim when we pushed both parties into it… we actually wanted to seize control over the Beasts by distracting sorcerers, wizards and Jinni, but Yukishiro's presence in China tells me we failed somehow.- now it was his turn to sneer.

He'd known for a long time that the good-for-nothing Iblis had to be replaced by someone capable of handling affairs in the proper way. Someone like him. Maybe, after conquering the world of humans, he could…

- I guess the Council and the Elders, and probably the demons were too busy engaged in the game to notice that one of the main players had escaped their clutches. Many of our people died at the hands of the Ishin, especially at Battousai's. I bet that was what weakened the controllers, allowing Yukishiro to flee to the mainland.

Shishio looked in Yumi's direction, yet without really seeing her. There was something bugging him. Suddenly the name of the other Hitokiri raised in him certain uneasiness, though he couldn't understand why. There was something he needed to remember about Battousai, something he used to know…

Now, more than ever, he understood why demons never melded with mortal souls, taking only their bodies and displacing those souls into the void between the universes. When they merged with human souls, the impact and the avalanche of memories, feelings, sensations were so overwhelming that it took decades, even centuries to restore a complete order on such a chaos. He had done it pretty well, though, and by a few weeks after the union he had managed to act beyond the primal instinct of fighting for survival, recognizing who he really was. After that, everything ran smoothly. He found Soujirou to cover his basic necessities of food and shelter and after a while they met Yumi, who in return introduced to him an old patron of the teahouse she used to work in, Sadoshima Houji. His first and most loyal circle of servants closed with that last addition. Those humans provided him with the services he needed for basic survival, while he put an order and balance inside his new nature encased in this damaged body.

The rest was easy.

The Hitokiri had already accumulated a little treasure from rewards and all that he could ransack from his victims. Houji was a businessman, and he knew how to make wealth grow. Meanwhile Shishio added to it through his actions 'in the field', spreading terror and domination first to rich men who paid a 'tax' to him for their survival, and then to entire villages.

However, and despite all that power and success among humans, he still couldn't control himself completely. He still had limits, limits that he would surpass eventually in two or three years, though. He could then engage in real fights without looking frantically at the clock.

Those limits were annoying, but what annoyed him the most were the gaps in his memory. They were of no consequence when dealing with ordinary mortals, but when he was faced by magical threats, he found those gaps highly inconvenient, and even dangerous to some extent.

- What happened to the other two Beasts?- Yumi got close to her lover, knelt by his side and put her chin on his shoulder

- I suppose they are probably dead by now- he shrugged- If they were alive in the Islands, the Council would have awakened them to strengthen their position. They need the Beasts' power badly after the losses they suffered.

- What if they…?- Yumi had paled and her eyes had gone wide open.

- It's of no use to think 'what if…' at the time being. We are far from home, in enemy land… We can't use magic without being detected by the Clans in the mainland. This is no time for a confrontation. As soon as we are back, I will track any leads on the other Beasts. Now, let's handle the one that is about to fall in our hands. It is clear that the Council and the Jinni in the Islands were pretty clumsy. So were my companions... Since I had parted way with them by the time the war started, the stupidity among my people's ranks was to be expected.

- Ah… so you left Iblis' side at the beginning of the Bakumatsu.

It was obvious to him that Yumi was trying to gather some new information about her lover's infernal side. He had been quite secretive about it, despite all her attempts to get answers from him through the years.

Shishio only smirked and his red irises glowed scarily.

- That's a different tale, my dear, one that maybe I will tell you in the future, if you show yourself deserving of it… Now let us focus on learning how much he knows.- he took her by the chin, planting a quick kiss on her lips.

- If she is following the proper procedures, he should not be aware of anything.- said Yumi, pensive.

- Somehow, I don't think she has bothered with following the rules.- Shishio shrugged. However, the facts kept spinning in his head. That could mean that the Jinniyeh was alone, no protection of the Clans around her… A possible benefit for their plans- It is clear to me that she has been using magic to protect him, even in a careless way. Do you remember the reports about how he was saved in the desert and from Wu's attack?

- I see… that could be a problem…- Yumi narrowed her eyes, pondering the possible consequences.

- Or a tactical advantage… it all depends on how much he truly knows.

- It's a risky situation…

- Maybe. It was imprudent leave a Beast wandering like that, with nobody controlling him… But we will take care of this situation: either we get a hold on him or get rid of him.

- But the Jinniyeh…

- Bah, she is not even worth my time…- Shishio did a dismissive gesture with one of his gloved hands- She is too young even to play with… She probably is under two hundred years of age. He will be even easier to dispose of than her, as long as he remains totally human and is not bonded to her. It would have been quite a match to face both in full control of their abilities. Two thousand years have been since I fought someone that interesting…

- Two thous…- Yumi gasped

- Yet, under the present conditions a match with them would be… disappointing.- continued Shishio, without paying attention to Yumi's reaction- They are not strong enough. Anyway, I want to try every conceivable path to get him bound in obedience to me, so we will first assess the real knowledge he holds about himself, about us and about his mate.

- And then…

- Then, if we can take him without fighting, he will come back to Japan with us.- he continued- But if he is aware and the Jinniyeh has informed him about his nature, that might make things more complicated. In that case, we should wait until our business in Japan is concluded to take care of them. While I could defeat her easily, any fight at this moment could mean an unwanted stumble in our more immediate plans. We are in a turning point my dear, and cannot allow ourselves any inconveniences or delays.

- Do you think it's wise? I mean, if they bind themselves to each other in the meantime…- she shivered visibly

- According to what I suspect, I think she might not be under any Clan's protection or supervision. That means that she does not know how to perform the ritual to awaken him. If that is so, our chances of getting a hold on him are high. However, we might need to bring him to Japan first. I think our possibilities here are rather… limited. However, I'll make sure to give instructions to Houji, just in case our attempts fail. The situation might call for a more conventional approach.

They might need to kidnap the boy to Japan, where Shishio would be free to work on him properly, as well as (if necessary) avoid any difficulties there that might have prevented him from killing Enishi here in Shanghai

- On the other hand, the Jinniyeh requires my personal, undivided attention.- added Shishio

- One thing is for sure, she is protecting him whether he knows it or not. The incident in the desert and Wu's failure points to that.

- That's why it will be very difficult to get a hold on him while he remains on the mainland. On the other hand, she won't be able to follow him to Japan… and then he will be ours or will die. After that, I'll go hunting- a sinister smirk was drawn on the nightmarish features, while two red coals burnt where his eyes should have been.- Now, help me with my bandages. The dust has filtered through them during the trip from the port, and that's rather unpleasant, dear. We should not disappoint our guests by being late for dinner…

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Giving a heavy sigh of relief, Asiyah entered the huge quarters she shared with Enishi. She was exhausted beyond belief.

When she raised her eyes, her back still against the carved surface of the door, she faced the inquisitive stare of her lover. He was seated on the edge of the bed, drying his wet hair with a towel. He probably had taken a quick bath in the short period that it had taken her to accommodate their guests and speak briefly to Mei Lin. His clothes for the dinner were laid out on the bed. However, his mind was clearly not on the social occasion ahead.

His furrowed brows and sharp stare screamed that he wanted an explanation at that precise moment.

- Why didn't you tell me you knew Shishio?

- It's not that simple…

- It's a simple question. I want a simple answer.

However, she knew that his question had a precise and shocking answer. One he was not ready to receive, but which neither of them could escape.

- Your question is simple, but my answer is a very, very complicated one. As much as I feel this is not the right time and opportunity, Enishi, we do need to talk about this. I thought I would be able to wait a little longer, to make you more acquainted and receptive to the realities involving magic. But things have been evolving in a blur in the last weeks, they have not allowed me to even think how to address this…

- Asiyah, I only want to know why you didn't tell me before you had already met Shishio.

- Because the truth is that I've never met that… person… before.

And she was not lying to him… She had not met that demon before… In fact, she had never met any demon at all as a matter of fact.

- I don't understand… Your reactions were clear, and his words… He said…

- …that he knew me somehow. And it's true. Did you remember what I've told you about Seta, what I've been sensing floating around him? He is branded, branded by magic.

- What has this to do with…?

- Sit there a minute.- she cut him- I'll be as brief as possible, and I'll give you longer and detailed explanations tonight. But there are things you need to know before you walk out through that door to meet your guests.

- I'm listening.- He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw firmly set showing how annoyed he felt.

- I can feel the magic in other beings, whether because they were branded or bound by other magical beings or sorcerers, or because they themselves are the source of that magic. But those other beings aware of magic also can feel what I truly am. No masks or pretenses can hide our natures to the other creatures aware of these things. These two, the bandaged man and his mate, belong to that category, they could sense me as much I could sense them. Certain kinds of humans can manage magic and powers; they are sorcerers, wizards, priests, and priestesses. Then, of course there are we, those beings whose nature is magical per se, such the Jinni and… demons.- she paused, assessing the situation and making a quick decision- Well, there is a third category, but I will tell you about it later this night.

- I really don't like what I'm hearing… We are here in a business meeting, I have to close a deal with a few people out there, and I do not think that magic is involved in any way here. At least, I do not want to hear about it.

- Look, it's not important whether you want to hear or not. Your wishes are of no consequence in this. You need to know that when you walk through that door and meet that man you know as Shishio, you'll in fact be in the company of a demon. And a very powerful, ancient one, by the way. Not to mention the sorcerer by his side, who happens to be very powerful too. So stop behaving like a child and listen to me, your life depends on your knowledge of this.

He got up, clearly annoyed and impatient, cutting her off by waving a hand in front of his face

- Well, that's it. Since I first saw Tomoe after her death, I knew my life was out of the ordinary, and I'd be facing strange things. After all, it's not everyday that you can see and talk with your dead sister. Then you stepped into my life. I can't deny what you are, because I saw it with my very own eyes. To deny it would mean I have to deny the existence of Tomoe's shadow protecting and guiding me, and I'm not ready to do such a thing. However, this is too much. First, you felt wary about Seta. He is nothing but an assassin serving his master. Now, you are trying to tell me that Shishio is a demon and Yumi is a sorceress. Well, I will tell you this: while the way Shishio is murdering and ransacking could make the word 'demon' suit him somehow, and Yumi's womanly tricks could make men claim she had bewitched them, I am certain that in both cases magic has nothing to do with the whole issue. Shishio is simply a ruthless, cruel bastard and Yumi a well-trained prostitute who knows how to use her charms to help her lover. Nothing else. I do not want to hear about anything remotely linked to magic being involved in this affair. So you'd better give me a more satisfying explanation later. Because I will ask you again about this tonight.

- Then so be it. Go out and face them if you want to. But don't tell me later that I didn't warn you. I can protect you against her, but my chances are low against him.

- All right…- he had started to dress - Lets suppose for a moment that Shishio is what you said. Why would he need me and my weapons to get his revenge against the Meiji government and take over Japan? After all, if he is a demon, why didn't he use his magic? Why did he wait in the shadows for ten years to start his revolution? If he is a powerful demon, why would he need those ridiculous bandages all over his body? Why couldn't he heal himself, and be a handsome guy ruling, all powerful and mighty, over Japan? I suppose Yumi would appreciate him even more this way…Why could he not have his enemies at his feet, with no need at all of rogue weapons dealers living in China? Why, if he was a very powerful magical being, was he almost killed by the Meiji agents? You see, your suppositions are not logical; they do not make any sense.

- Dear, things are not that simple. Humans would have been wiped out long ago if the situation could be solved with spells and snapping fingers. The use of magic was severely restricted after the last war. The few humans who are allowed to use it, belong to Clans who control them very closely. Jinni and demons are forbidden to use magic on a large scale to modify the big scheme of things. There is one category of magic beings who can use it almost without limits and laws restricting them.-

-

<But you'll learn about that later>, she thought, pausing.

He almost finished dressing, looking at himself in the mirror, seemingly not following her account closely. But she knew better. Behind his feigned indifference, his calculating mind was registering each one of her words to analyze them carefully later. He would probably test Shishio with some questions, but that could be dangerous and she needed to be present when that happened. She continued with her explanation:

- Neither Jinni nor demons can act upon the human fate on a large scale. Jinn have their own realm to play with, and we only come here to have a little fun once in a while. For demons, the game is of another kind. They want to destroy the human race, but they can't do it directly. So they use the human race itself to get their goals. They whisper, suggest, manipulate… Demons find that game very pleasurable. To use humans to provoke their own fall, isn't it delightfully ironic? Look at Shishio. He created a powerful army with devoted followers who almost worship him, like Sadoshima, Seta, and Yumi. That is typical behavior in a demon's plots… as for the state of his body, I truly have no idea why he is like that. There is no explanation that makes sense to me, not right now. However, I know there is a reason behind that too, and I'll find it out. However, I will tell you something: I know what he is. And he knows what I am. As much as his woman knows

- And assuming that all this nonsense was real, what do you suggest I should do? Should I run away to avoid perpetual damnation? Are you serious? Look at me; have you any doubt about my final destiny? Because I do not harbor any. I'm doomed, and I don't care, as long as I can avenge my sister. I've lost myself consciously to reach that goal, and I do not regret anything. I do not have any soul to lose, Asiyah. To be in the company of demons sounds damn appropriate to me, because I know I will rot in Hell someday. Anyway, do not worry. I will not become a Shishio worshiper.- he smirked- But it just so happens that his goal of destroying the Meiji Restoration is coincidental with my aims, so his company is convenient for me at this time.

Asiyah gave a heavy sigh. Her task with him would be a lot more difficult than she had thought at first, she reflected, shaking her head.

- As I've said before, things might not be as simple as you think. I don't know the real motives behind their visit to your house. I don't know if they are here really for the business part, if they are here to do some spying for any plans on the continent… or if they are here for you. I'm afraid that I might be right about my first guesses concerning Wu's attempt on your life. In fact, I believe that in the end they could be also behind what happened to you in the Taklimakan.

- I'm flattered at the importance you attribute to me in Shishio's plans- he said, after a heartfelt laugh- But you are giving me too much credit.

- I think that Shishio might be planning to expand his operation to the mainland. You could be stumbling block in his plans.

- Oh, boy, now that's funny… Believe me, I'm the least of his problems if he is intending to do something in the continent. With the British, the Dutch, the French and Americans, not to mention the Russians playing hard in China, I don't think I could be more than a momentary irritation to him. Now, those powers will crush any attempt he might try, not me. If he is really planning something here, I'm not the one he has to be wary of…

- Enishi… there are other reasons that might cause him to be scared of your very existence, and they are not related to your place as a syndicate boss.- she said enigmatically, the golden speckles dancing in her deep pools of green fire.- But we will talk about this later.

- All right.- he sighed. They were already late. Their guests surely would be by now waiting for them- However, do me a favor. As flattered and as honored as I feel by your protectiveness to me, stop talking about this magic nonsense. There is no such a thing involved here. He is a man, a resentful ex-Hitokiri searching for revenge and power. You are obsessed with all this. It's my fault; I overloaded you with Heishin's work plus the house's responsibilities. Then, at the same time, I pushed you into our love affair… Too many things at once… I suppose even a Jinniyeh has her limits. You are tired, and nervous. I'll make sure we enjoy some private time together, far from everything else, as soon as this negotiation ends. I only ask you that for the time being bear it with me, and stop thinking about magical plots in my path.

- It's fine with me by now… But don't say I didn't warn you in advance. However, and as a final note, you should remember that I'm the expert in this field, and when I tell you that there are a sorcereress and a demon under your roof, you should consider paying closer attention to my words. The other way to find out might involve a personal demonstration, which would be quite unhealthy and probably fatal. But it's your choice, human.

- Oh, fine, fine… - it was apparent he didn't want to continue with the argument- Now, get dressed yourself. We are already late, they surely are waiting for us in the library. I only ask you to keep in mind the motives why I've invited them. The reasons that concern me, that is, not the ones you have in mind. I'll be waiting for you downstairs.

When he was about to close the door behind his back, she played her trump card.

- Enishi… You might find it interesting that your sister came to warn me about this. You'll know I'm telling the truth, because you'll notice she won't be around you as long as the demon remains in this home.

The door closed with a soft click, but she knew he had heard her words. That would give him something to think about during their dinner. Knowing Enishi as she did, he would be fully alert now, analyzing every word, every movement, and every breath performed by Shishio.

That would surely help her for the long chat they'd have ahead, because she was sure that the demon would try to probe at Enishi. And that would mark Shishio's undoing.

It would not be easy, she thought still grumbling and annoyed at Enishi's behavior, but she would make sure that nothing bad happened to the stubborn man she had bound herself to…

She sighed, looking at the royally embroidered silk robes he had been giving her[3]. This was a night to look as magnificent and dazzling as she never had dared before. Asiyah smiled, she would make a spectacular entrance. But overall, she would not let anyone notice her worries… or her fears.

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Enishi smiled, pleased. As always, his instructions had been followed punctiliously and now their guests were gathered in his library, ready for some small talk to relax after the awkward moment they all had experienced a short while ago.

Like many estates inside the Settlement in Shanghai, this house had been built by an European merchant in silks, who had made his fortune after the Opium Wars and the subsequent opening of the port to the world. It was conveniently furnished in full western style

Shishio was enjoying his typical Japanese pipe comfortably reclined in a chaise-lounge with Yumi by his side. Seta and Sadoshima were standing near him, admiring the priceless Chinese ivory miniatures displayed in the lacquered showcase. Sadoshima was savoring a glass of the very expensive British brandy that Enishi kept for special guests and occasions. It was a tasty detail when he traded with Westerners, and he couldn't help noticing the irony behind Sadoshima, as a supporter of Japanese nationalism, drinking the preferred liquor of gaijin.

- I was wondering how you can bear to be outside of Japan…- said Yumi, once the usual polite exchange of bows and questions about their accommodations had finished

- The Japan I once knew and I loved has been dead for a long time, madam.- answered Enishi with bitterness in his voice, and afterwards an odd smile flashed on his features briefly in contrast with his words- at least for now…

- Therefore if a strong Japan were established, one which did not submit to the West, as the shameless Meiji Regime is doing now, that would mean that you'd come back to our country…- Sadoshima narrowed his eyes, in a calculating gesture

- To live there? No, I don't think so.- Japan would never be the same again for him, not after Tomoe's death, after the scattering and destruction of his whole family, the loss of everything he once held dear. But those were his own reasons, reasons that belonged only to him- However, I would come back to do business, most definitely.

- If we do not make ourselves stronger, we will share the fate of China, and many other countries in Asia. We will be colonized and exploited by the British, the Dutch, the French, the Russians, or the Americans. The Meiji government bows submissively to these foreign powers, covering our land and tradition in shame.-Sadoshima's voice vibrated with holy passion.

- Oh, I see… Someone else feeling betrayed by the Meiji lies…- said Enishi, pushing his glasses up his nose and shaking his head, an ironic smirk crossing his face- I don't even know what people were expecting from them… Any real social change? A better, egalitarian future for all? Frankly, as it always happens in this world, it was just power shifting from some hands to others…

- I don't think many people would share such views, Yukishiro-san- commented Sadoshima, looking at the young man sharply- Especially if we were talking about samurai.

- I was born samurai, the sole heir of my family name. I was one of those who suffered the changes the most, since my family was not powerful or rich enough to buy the favor of the Meiji dogs. We lived in a simple way and my father was a low bureaucrat working for the Bakufu. Despite our loyalty for the past three hundred years, we were nothing in the big scheme of things and we were crushed in the quest for power, as half of Japan was. We only tasted bitter betrayal. We lost everything because of my father's loyalty to the Bakufu, and the few remaining survivors of my father's family were scattered along the land, until they starved to death in the new enlightened Era. As you see, I have my own personal scores to settle with the Meiji regime.- he drank the strong alcohol in a single gulp, burning rage building inside him, as the memories started to flow in his mind, then almost spat his following words- and those who brought it to power.

- I didn't know you were…

- Now, you do.- He cut off Sadoshima, harshly

[4]****He felt the warm hug given by his sister, and the subtle smell of white plums that he had missed for so long filled his nose again.

- It's been a long time. You surprised me. But I'm so glad to see you. You must be hungry - she turned around as they entered inside the hut. - Wait a minute, I was just making dinner. When did you leave Edo? How is Father?

The delicious smell of food made his mouth water.

- I don't know. I left for Kyoto a year ago, just after you did. .- she was smiling, smiling again, just because he was there. It was promising, everything would be the same again very soon

- Enishi . . . Who's been taking care of you? - her voice was strained with concern-And how did you know I was here? You never heard anything from me . . .

- I knew. I have connections. You should be happy, Tomoe. The time of Heaven's Justice has finally come for Battousai.- He couldn't help it, all the hate he had bottled inside slipped out through his words.

- Enishi . . . then you're the . . .- Tomoe dropped the spoon

- You didn't know? That's funny.-he said, gulping down mouthfuls of rice - They said they'd already told you all about it.

Suddenly, he stopped eating. Something was very wrong. Tomoe looked shocked.

- Let's go, Tomoe! You're finally done here!- he urged.

- Go back to Edo.- her voice sounded strange, as if coming from afar

- What?

- You're the only son of the Yukishiro family. I can't let you dirty your hands with this.

- I don't care about the family!- and it was true. He felt no ties to his family, except for her- I want to help you!

- Go back home, Enishi.- she paused. Then she leaned forward and hugged him, putting her forehead against his- Go back home, alone.

- What is it? Something happened to you. Why won't you come with me?- Enishi was almost in tears. A dreadful feeling was settling uncomfortably in the pit of his stomach. Frustration and anger started to cloud his mind. He followed her gaze, which rested somewhere outside the house, and then realization struck him- Why are you protecting him! He's your enemy! He's the one that stole your happiness!

- Enishi… I want you to give something to our father- Tomoe had risen to her feet, and was looking for something in a trunk. A beautiful blue umbrella finally was in her hands- I wish him to have something to remember me by…

She had accompanied him outside, and he was too shocked to even resist her. He had never denied her any request she made to him in such a tone, and though his heart was torn, broken and bleeding, that time was not an exception.

He had spotted the fiery red hair glowing with the last rays of the late afternoon sun of winter, red as the blood the assassin had spilled countless times, while he played almost innocently with the children of the village. He had gritted his teeth, the cup of his hate overflowing, wondering how such a bastard could hide his true nature to everyone around him. Even his beloved sister Tomoe had been deceived by him…

< You . . .If only you hadn't been there . . .>- thought Enishi

His eyes had crossed briefly with those of the hated murderer before he started his sprint to the Yaminobu's hideout, fighting back the tears that clouded his vision, insensible to the cuts and bruises made by branches and stones in his way.****[5]

The sound of the glass of his already emptied cup still in his hand, breaking under the pressure of his rage, brought Enishi back to the present.

- Unpleasant memories, Yukishiro?- Shishio's intense gaze was focused on him, in a shuddering, blazing shade of red. Enishi could read a dark amusement dancing inside those sinister eyes.

- A brief and unfortunate moment of… distraction- some fragments of glass were still under his skin, and he had started bleeding lightly. He made a gesture to Mei Lin, and gave her concise directions in Chinese- I'll be back in a minute. Mei Lin is not fluent in Japanese, but she will understand your requirements. I have instructed her to assist you in whatever you might need while I'm out.

While he walked the corridor, he cursed himself under his breath for his stupidity. He had shown a weak spot, letting anger and personal memories overtake him in front of a customer, one powerful… and dangerous himself.

However, Tomoe's words still echoed in his ears

"You're the eldest son of the Yukishiro family. I can't let you dirty your hands with this."

What would she think about his deeds of the past fifteen years, about the extremes he had reached, the things he had done merely to survive?

<No>, he thought, shaking his head.

She was satisfied and happy with his plans. She wanted to be avenged.

That was why she smiled for him.

That was why she had sent Asiyah to him.

Asiyah…

<Where the fuck is she? > he thought impatiently, walking to the staircase.

His question was answered as soon as he lifted his gaze and he saw her there walking gracefully down the steps. And in that moment, he forgot the painful throbbing in his hand and the tiny stains of blood ruining his suit.

She looked wonderful, her red hair free from the ever present dupatta, and falling to mid-thigh, enveloping her petite frame in a red silken haze of untamed curls. Asiyah had never worn her magnificent hair in that fashion in public before now, but he was glad she had chosen to display herself in that way. The fiery cloud was held back from her face with a delicate hair ornament. Icy flakes of light were scattered over her from its tiny diamonds, as well as from the far larger and more numerous ones in the extraordinary necklace around her throat[6]. The contrast made her look even more breathtaking. Besides, he noticed satisfied that she was wearing one of the splendid silk robes he had chosen for her, instead her own usual pick of Persian clothing.

Enishi grinned with satisfaction, thinking about the beautiful Yumi. It seemed he might enjoy a catfight tonight after all…

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