Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Of Legendary Creatures and Mystical Beasts ❯ Lifting the Veil of Mysteries Part II ( Chapter 13 )

Usual Disclaimers apply. I do not own RK, not even my beloved Eni-kun!

Thanks to my dear beta-readers, Fujifunmum, Michaela (ohohoho, my partner in crime!) and Julie (Wombat). Without them, I am just dust in the wind…

Julie, you are my Guardian Angel!!!!!!

Michaela: CONGRATULATIONS (you know why!!!)

Fujifunmum (YEAH, you're my 100 reviewer!!!)

First things first: You should re-read chapter 11 to fully understand what's going on here. Remember this is the continuation of what was happening there…

Thanks to all the loyal reviewers, which really help me a lot with their comments. Thanks, JML, Midori, Mara, Oryo, Fujifunmum, Goddess_of_Stupidity, rk2003, Chri, Devil, mc.UFO-N0@KI, and 'test'.

Chri: On your review on Media Miner, I'll be most grateful if you could give me some hints on how to manage direct speeches better. Is it a question of formatting or a problem with the length of each character's discourses? If it's the first I might have a quick solution for it. If it's the second option, mmmm… That would be trickier… But I'll try my best to make it more enjoyable and easier for you all. Errrrr… I have NO IDEA of how the links worked in Lifting the veil of Mysteries I… I stopped to try to understand how ff net works… I have an old, rusty and traumatized brain-cell, and to decipher ff net intrincacies is too much… she runs scared at the mere thought…

Goddess: Thanks for your beautiful review in Media Miner.

Mei Lin name came after a long research. I wasn't convinced by any name, but finally I choose this one.

The article you can find in this URL (Chinasprout

http://www.chinasprout.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000005.html ) says that "Mei Lin" means beautiful jade.

Other databases where the name can be found:

http://www.rebeccasspace.com/chinesenames.html

http://www.findyourfate.com/numerology/babynames/chinesen ames.html

http://www.kabalarians.com/female/ch_f1.htm

http://www.magma.ca/~mtooker/names/suggest.htm (Chinese characters)

Jason M Lee gave me this explanation, and I'll also be glad to hear your opinions and comments, Goddess. Of course, I'll add them to the notes with the credit they deserve.

Here's JML explanation: "there's a difference between "ling" and "lin".

"ling" is spoken at the 2nd pitch but the last letter (well, of the Chinese alphabet that forms the words) is different from the one used in "lin". both use three sounds (only description i can think of) to form these two words but it's only the first two that are the same.

"lin"'s last sound is prounounced "en" (first pitch). sounds almost the same as the Japn "en" but as one syllable.

"ling"'s last sound is "eng" (1st pitch, like "en" but with a slight "g").

on the word "mei", you can choose "mei" for "beauty" or for "plum blossom". the difference is in the characters that is written. also, "mei" in "plum blossom" can be a family name as well."

BTW Jason… well, when it's true that in normal circumstances a victim of burnings would develop skin and less sensible epidermis (I'm thinking of the old F1 pilot, Niki Lauda. He was in the races again a few month after a nearly fatal accident at the German circuit of Nürburgring (Michaela, help, please!!!) that left him terribly disfigured and at the verge of death for weeks. He started to drive again while he was STILL healing, and almost won the championship that year (1976, I think). He won it again after that, but the most remarkable thing is that he wasn't completely healed when he came back to the races…). But here, coming back to the fic, we are talking of a demon, he is not under the normal circumstances. His fifteen minutes limit also is related to this. He is still burning inside, so his condition is far more delicate than normal persons…

rk2003… The story is already finished… albeit in Spanish (32 chapters)… I know I'm translating at a really SLOW pace, but those who have read it in Spanish will notice the GREAT differences between both versions. This chapter is VERY different from the Spanish version, and I'm a lot happier with the English version. Maybe the flow is not as good as in my native tongue, but the contents are definitively better.

The problem is that I almost have to re-write every chapter from the scratch. The original plot line is unchanged, but I deleted, added and changed a lot of things… That is why it takes me so long to update…

Claudia: This will answered soon, but if you look at the hints given in previous chapters, there are two other Mystical Beasts on the loose…. A Dragon and a Wolf… Now… who could be the humans who possess those spirits within themselves??? So… Don't worry, Saitou has his place here…

And an advance of the next chapter: Kenshin and Saitou will make their first appearances in the fic! So stay tunned.

Chapter 12: Lifting the veil of Mysteries (second part)

As soon as Asiyah saw Enishi at the bottom of the stairs, worry overtook her, but when she noticed that blood was dripping from his hand, her heart skipped a beat.

She ran down the last few steps to meet him, as her stomach twisted in knots of anxiety.

- "What happened?"

- "It's nothing… just a stupid accident."

- "Did it happen when you were with Shishio?"- Every conceivable warning signal started to flash in Asiyah's brain.

- "Yes… Why? Is this of any importance?"

- "Probably."- Her voice was a barely audible whisper. However, she would have to deal later with the danger hidden inside a few bloodstains. - "Now, let me see that."

A few moments afterward, they were at the threshold of the library's door. Enishi's hand was totally healed, and all traces of bloodstains had been erased from his blue Chinese suit, with a little help from her magic.

A sigh of absolute relief escaped Asiyah's lips at the sight of Mei Lin and the other Chinese employees. She felt reassured now, guessing that their presence had surely stopped the witch from collecting a sample of Enishi's blood from the carpet. Even a few droplets spilled on the fabric opened the dangerous possibility of Yumi using her dark arts.

Their guests' stares turned to Enishi and herself at the moment they entered the library, evaluating her in several different ways. She could read amusement flowing in Shishio, annoyance in Yumi, and surprise in Sadoshima and Seta.

The idea of being displayed as a trophy nauseated her. Asiyah thought that this would be a necessary discussion with Enishi later. However, that could wait until the more pressing 'situation' was resolved. She understood and agreed that Enishi expected her to accept that role, and she had been never bothered by the issue before, because she had been simply playing the game in front of human insects. However, this time was different. She was in front of two beings aware of her true nature as a Jinniyeh, and in a way, the situation belittled her rank.

After Mei Lin announced that the dinner had been served and Enishi led the guests to the main dining room, Asiyah remained behind, taking the old Chinese housekeeper aside to give her precise and urgent instructions while they walked behind the guests.

Overwhelming anxiety was crushing her nerves, but she managed to keep a front of reassured dignity. She managed to speak with the woman out of everyone's attention, ordering her to exchange the carpet in the library with the one in Enishi's private quarters during dinner.

- "It will be the first thing I'll take care of in the morning."

- "Wasn't I clear enough? I said now, this can't wait"- said Asiyah

Bloodstains always remained wherever they had been spilled, but it was easier to detect them in fabrics, and Asiyah was well aware of that. Many witches managed to collect old samples of their victims' blood in this way, even when long periods had elapsed since the poor creatures had had been wounded.

Asiyah was not eager to take any chances, not with these guests under their roof. Even a careful scrubbing by the servants might not be effective enough to erase the smaller spots. Obviously, there was a magic way to delete any traces, and that's exactly what she would do later, out of the view of any prying eyes.

- "But, Madam…"

- "I don't want to hear any more complaints. Do as I command you. Look around every corner and crevice carefully. Yukishiro-da-ren cut himself with the broken crystal. Not even a single trace or spot of his blood should be left in this place. Make sure the servants scrub it hard, even it means you must scour the floor with your own tongue. All this should be performed while we are at the dinner table, out of the view of our guests."

After her careful instructions, she finally entered the room, feeling the resentful stare of the old housekeeper glued to her nape. The old woman made a sign to two of the servants in the hall, who followed her diligently, leaving only one to pour the wine for the guests. Asiyah sighed. One should be enough, and the affair of changing the carpets was more important at that moment

Their guests were already sitting around the dining table at the suggestion of Enishi, who
seemed a bit annoyed with her. As customary in Western style dinners, Enishi took his place at one end of the table and she took the opposite end, every guest between them in an appointed position according their status in the meeting.

The food was already served, to allow them more privacy, with less servants moving around them. They could pick for themselves the dishes according their tastes.

She had chosen four different types to be supplied, as from these, the guests were already familiar to some extent with the Japanese, Chinese, and European dishes, but the Persian ones were new to them; after several months in the house, Asiyah had finally instructed the servants how to cook the exotic, spicy food to her entire satisfaction. They all seemed pleased and praised the choices.

She refrained from sneering. It was all part of the game. The luxurious house, every detail of etiquette, the menus, the special requests made by Shishio for his quarters and even the careful selection of each servant in the estate during these days.

Even her own appearance… Powerful human men measured their success with all these meaningless details. Humans were nothing but self-conscious, pompous fools. How annoying. She felt disgusted with herself for playing such a game, which was made just for the amusement of the demons. They used such tricks to fool their victims, weaving around them a web of deceit, and fake powers to serve their purposes.

Nevertheless, Jinni didn't need to resort to those things. It was not fit for their superior nature.

She sighed in contempt before locking her gaze on Enishi, who was leaning back in his chair. This white haired man was the reason why she could bear it all, she recalled.

Asiyah looked at Enishi while he studied Shishio intently. It seemed that her heated words in their room (or perhaps the mention of Tomoe's name at the end of their… conversation) had raised in her lover a deeper meticulousness when analyzing the bandaged man's words. Enishi was always incredibly careful but she noticed with great relief that he was being tenfold times wary.

- "We were at a very interesting point in our conversation just before your little accident, Yukishiro." - Shishio said- "I agree with you that the ideals behind both parties during the Bakumatsu were nothing but excuses for a battle to attain power. The Shogunate's time was over; they were weak. That's why neither side hesitated to throw the country in chaos, raising their voices in battle cries. Revere the emperor, destroy the Bakufu, expel the barbarian, open the country… These were only excuses to make it easier to use those who were weak of heart and mind by the masterminds behind each group. The wolves inside the Ishin had smelled death's stench in the Shogun's palace and ran to give the killing blow and take its place. It's the old law… When the weak ones have the power the beasts are freed and Hell reigns until they are satiated with flesh and blood, and the strongest in the pack re-establishes the natural order of things."

- "Ah, yes… We had already talked about your views… the flesh of the weak is the food of the strong…"- Enishi said softly, irony pouring through his words

- "You'll see it more clearly if you come back with me to Japan. Come with me, and be one of the strong!"

The triumphal gleam in Shishio's eyes didn't go unnoticed by Asiyah. She felt all the alarms ringing in her head at his words. He was clearly trying to snatch Enishi from her hands, tempting him with the usual demon's bait: power and wealth. Fortunately, she knew that those weren't the aims of her lover, even though he enjoyed them both. They were only tools to achieve his real goal: his Earthly Justice. The only thing he could be tempted with was Battousai. If the demon learned about that secret, he could offer the accursed killer to Enishi as bait to lure him out of her care. And Asiyah was sure he would fall for it.

Therefore, she had to make sure that no word of Enishi's true goal reached into Shishio's ears. That was her main priority.

- "The day I set foot in Japan again, it will be to conclude some issues I left unfinished there. I'm not interested in conquering the country. I prefer only to do business. It's more clean, more fun and brings fewer complications than ruling. "- Enishi gave Shishio one of his odd smiles.

The conversation was coursing towards dangerous waters, Asiyah thought. It was time to step in and avoid any further damage. Now, she was sure that Shishio and Yumi would make inquiries about Enishi's 'unfinished affairs' in Japan.

- "I can't believe that a man like you, who made his way to the top using the very essence of my philosophy, would reject such an opportunity."- Shishio reasoned- "I have heard about your unparalleled skill with the sword here in China, and how your name brings fear in the hearts of friends and foes alike. You were born to be by my side, Yukishiro, to be one of the rulers of the new Japan. Come with us, and help me to build a powerful country! You have the contacts to provide us with the best weaponry. We could be invincible, even defeating the Westerners on this side of the world!"

- "You know as well as I do that things aren't as simple as that, Shishio-san, and might involve some other situations and interests, things beyond politics and such."- Asiyah said, her head bent and her bangs covering her eyes.

- "Chaos and war are the ways Nature employs to ensure the survival of the fittest and establish the correct balance of things, Asiyah-san. These are the historical, raw facts. My only goal is to eradicate the weak Meiji government, which bends to the arrogant foreigners. I want to create a very strong Japan, which inspires respect and not a good laugh. "-Shishio's eyes were fixed on the Jinniyeh now.

- "And then what? Go for China, Korea and who knows what else? Just like those foreigners you despise?"-Asiyah pressed the matter further.

- "And why not?"- said Houji, stepping into the conversation- "It's the destiny of the strong to devour the weaker ones. Shishio-sama will create a stronger fatherland for us, and it will be an honor for our weak neighbors to be conquered and purified by us."

- "I see."- murmured Enishi.

Asiyah could guess he was recalling their earlier chat in his quarters. However, she kept her head bent and her eyes shadowed, invisible to all.

- "To be honest, Shishio-san, you and I are perfectly aware of your true goals. Your chaos has nothing to do with a stronger country. "- intervened the redhead, her voice resembling dangerously a growl.

She finally raised her head, golden eyes shining with a fiery glow, with not a single trace of the original green. Terrifying eyes that might dance for many nights in the nightmares of men. Loud gasps were heard coming out from all the persons gathered around the table except three: Yumi, Shishio himself and Enishi.

- "I was wondering when you would throw off your disguise…"- Shishio chuckled evilly while his own red pupils glowed with the same intensity as hers. Evidently amused, he turned toward Enishi, commenting casually:- "You don't seem to be surprised."

- "The last few months have taught me to expect the unexpected"- Enishi's voice was low, more like a growl than actual words.

Enishi wasn't taken aback, though he had never seen her like that. However, he was really pissed off that the pace of things was getting out of hand, she could tell that much. Asiyah understood him, but she couldn't help it. The demon had lured her out to test Enishi's reaction. Fortunately, he was already aware of several things…

- "I have a question for all of you"-said Asiyah- "Do you believe in Hell?"

- "Certainly"- chuckled Yumi.

- "Ah, I think that all men, good and bad alike, are nothing but rotting flesh after death"- said Houji, trying to sound casual though his eyes were still shifting from Asiyah to Shishio.

- "I always believed in it. It's my destined dwelling place."- Enishi stated, calmly.

- "Of course it is real."- Shishio smirked- "We have it in front of our eyes. It's there every time one of us sheds blood, or when we look down into the quarters of the doomed in this very city, or every time corrupt officials get richer exploiting the miserable… That's Hell."

- "No. That's only the manifestation of Evil, but it's not true Hell."-said Asiyah- "It's the way demons have to corrupt the human realm, just to prove they were right when they raised in revolt against the Most High. And what about you, Soujirou-san? We haven't heard your opinion yet. Do you believe in demons or Hell?"

- "Ara… "- the boy raised his hand, pensively scratching his head. Asiyah thought about tearing out that ever smiling, offending mouth from his face, but his demon master might not take it lightly.- "I… s-suppose…"

- "This is getting too theological for my taste…"- interrupted Enishi, and Asiyah knew he was at the verge of losing his patience completely, despite his blank expression- "To be honest, I don't really know why we are having this conversation… I know this might not be the place, but I think we could talk about the additions to your supplies that Sadoshima-san had suggested."

- "Ah, an excellent idea, Yukishiro-san."- Houji said.

Shishio's minion seemed obviously relieved at the new turn in the conversation, returning to familiar ground. It was apparent that the clash of glares between Asiyah and Shishio unnerved the businessman.

- "Shishio-sama and I had discussed adding a couple of cannons. And we also want another two Gatling guns."

- "Oh, I'll make sure to complete the new additions tomorrow, first thing in the morning."- Enishi turned his attention again to Shishio- "There is a wonderful new improvement that the Americans had been using lately, torpedoes. I was telling Sadoshima-san about this during our visit to the yards. With several modifications to the original hull and design we could mount them onto the… Rengoku[1], isn't it?"

Enishi made an effort to remember the name Shishio had given to the battleship, and Asiyah couldn't help but think how fitting it was… Purgatory… She also noticed that he seemed more at ease with the direction of the conversation now.

- "However, Sadoshima-san also made a point of a quick delivery of our product. The additions I'm proposing you, Shishio-san, would render your ship nearly invincible, and would give us time to install the shields. I tell you, gentlemen, the final result is worth the wait."

- "I'm afraid that Houji was right. We need the ship ready and in Japan as quickly as possible."- Shishio interrupted- "Besides, it's sufficiently 'invincible' for me as it is. There is no ship in the whole Japanese fleet that could stand against it, according to the specifications you've sent and the report that Houji gave to me. And I think that even the British battleships would consider twice before engaging our ship in battle."

- "However,"- added Sadoshima- "Yukishiro-san has some very impressive new weaponry that we could consider as additions to our list."

- "I've prepared a complete demonstration of our products, so you will be able to make a better decision about them."- said Enishi.

- "That would be very convenient."- Soujirou nodded approvingly.

Yumi was staring at the redhead during the entire exchange. Asiyah never wavered before the intensity of the sorceress' gaze, but her eyes were nearly back to normal. Only a few tiny speckles of gold danced inside her emerald orbs now.

- "I was wondering… It's really strange to find people of your kind so deep inside the East."- finally said Shishio's consort - "As far as I knew, your kind lives more to the West, in the sandy lands of the Middle East…"

- "Oh, well, you know, my people have many relatives everywhere. I have cousins all over the world, known by different names, but yes, I came from a place in the desert, near the ancient city of Petra in the heart of Sham[2]. I consider myself more acquainted with Persia though. I was visiting my cousins in this area when I found that this place has interesting things to offer to someone like me."- she answered .

- "I see…"- Yumi narrowed her eyes, looking at Enishi, smirking

- "Anyway, to me it's more curious that people from the Islands dare to set foot here."- Asiyah's temper began to flare

- "Things are not how they used to be…"- the sorceress chuckled lightly

- "If you are inferring that a Japanese presence in China is a rare event, Asiyah-san, I should remind you that we have a long and fruitful contact with the mainland"-said Houji, matter of-factly.

- "Though I doubt that the Chinese would be entirely happy with your description of the exchange between both countries, and I agree that it had lasted since times lost in history, that was not what Asiyah meant by her statement."

- "Yes, Houji, Yukishiro is right. Asiyah-san is talking about a matter of a different nature…"- added the bandaged man, with a smirk on his face.

Shishio was thrilled, testing Enishi's knowledge of the situation before Asiyah's very eyes. He was trying to get as much information as possible to plan his next moves. Asiyah knew she'd have to act that same night. She couldn't afford any delays. Asiyah prayed that the things heard and seen by Enishi would help her make him understand.

The redhead looked over their guests. Sadoshima seemed very upset. Probably the poor man was pissed at his own inability to follow the whole exchange, he and Seta having been the only ones excluded from the true meaning behind the chat.

- "However, I must agree with you, Asiyah-san. We usually avoid traveling to the mainland." - Yumi added- "I'm sorry if I sound impolite, but I'm still curious…So did you meet Yukishiro-san while you were visiting your relatives?"

- "Sort of…"- Asiyah squirmed uncomfortably in her seat

- "Yes, I can imagine…you seem to be very young to be alone on your own…How old…? One hundred and seventy?"- Yumi's silky voice hid her venomous intent

- "No, I'm not that young… I'm two hundred and fourteen." - Answered the redhead

Asiyah saw from of the corner of her eyes how Enishi choked slightly on the wine. However, there was a good chance that he thought he had misunderstood the whole exchange as much as Sadoshima and Seta, who looked totally puzzled and confused.

- "I see… Still, you're young enough…"- Shishio said.

Asiyah resisted the urge of quivering before the unyielding, uncanny gaze of the demon.

So that was it. They were announcing the upcoming battle, and their intentions to take Enishi from her… They were only checking her resources… To play games at this point, hiding her true age and other tactics were of no use here. It had to be almost excruciatingly clear to them that she was on her own, no Clan supporting her, and that she was no match for such a powerful demon. It would be a painful way to die… However, she wouldn't go down without a good fight, protecting the Beast and trying to awaken him just to stop Shishio's intention of controlling him.

- "Yes, she is young, but she's very capable, and I treasure her expertise and advice very much. She is not a mere beautiful ornament,"- Enishi made a meaningful pause, looking intently into Yumi's eyes- "and her position inside my organization shows it. She is my perfect companion and she has all my admiration, support, trust... and protection."

- "I see…"- the sorceress said- "Nevertheless, there might be things that not even a gifted man like you could comprehend… or prevent."

- "You are not giving me the credit I deserve… or her, as a matter of fact."- Enishi said toying with his cup of wine- "She has been a very capable guide in certain… uncommon matters… of which I'm fully aware, Yumi-san."

- "Oh, I see…"- now the disturbing turquoise gaze forced the sorceress to cast hers down

Asiyah smiled, pleased. He always let her fight her own battles, especially since he was aware of her nature. After all, he was a man who needed a strong woman by his side, fully able to defend herself in times when he might not be around. However, this time he had come out in her defense, sensing she was under an unfair attack. That was promising, a proof that their bond was strengthening. His intervention left no doubt to the demon and the sorceress that he was not pleased with their attitude.

And the message was understood.

They soon left the dangerous fields they had entered and soon the conversation turned to the usual topics. Sadoshima, Enishi and Asiyah discussed politics and history, while Shishio occasionally made some comments, but he and Yumi were more interested in studying their hosts than in the actual conversation.

Soujirou suggested the prudence of resting well to prepare for the next day's activities, to Asiyah's complete relief.

////////////////////

After making sure that Shishio-sama's quarters were in order and that he had his own instructions for the next few days, Soujirou had left the room.

However, many questions were swirling in his mind.

He had decided to pay a late night visit to Sadoshima. It was really fortunate that the Yukishiro mansion was so ample, and though he knew that a half dozen pair of eyes were following him, they had complete freedom in that area of the house.

- "May I come in?"- he asked when Houji opened the door

- "Yes"- the man looked to both sides. It was a useless gesture. Everybody knew the rules of the game and inevitability of watching and being watched when you chose to play it.

- "Have you any jug of that excellent sake you use to bring with you? I'm not totally ready to go to sleep, and I thought it might help me…"

- "Yes, of course. Wait a minute"

Sadoshima put a jug of sake between them, one of the several he had carried from Japan, just in case Yukishiro couldn't get good quality sake for Shishio-sama.

- "I told you she was different…"- he said

- "Those eyes… they were… scary"- Sadoshima said

- "Yes, almost as scary as Shishio-sama's."

- "Probably."

- "What do you think about that strange conversation?" - the young Tenken asked.

- "I do not question Shishio-sama. Ever."

- "Me neither… but it was… weird… I almost didn't understand a word of it… and what I did understand, didn't make any sense. Do you think they were speaking of her age… I mean in years?"

- "No, Soujirou, I don't understand it myself. But it's impossible that that little girl is more than sixteen. Nobody lives for two hundred years."

- "But they were talking of supernatural things, like Hell…"

- "I told you, Hell does not exist."

- "Shishio-sama thinks otherwise…"

- "Soujirou, take it easy. We will eventually learn what it was all that about. Now go to sleep."

But the young swordsman was restless.

After some of the things said and done during the dinner, a scene was re-playing in his mind once again.

*****He had done it again… They were enraged with him… and he was paying for his careless behavior, thought the tiny child, dragging himself miserably to the usual spot he slept in when he was 'condemned' to sleep outside the house.

Drops of blood fell from his forehead to the unmarred pale skin of his left cheek. An eerie smile crossed his features, but repressed sadness, fear and a glint of anger shone in his blue eyes.

Soujirou was not that sure about the accuracy of his family's remarks concerning his 'clumsiness' at work or his 'ungratefulness' to them. All he knew was that he was small, and weak, and there was no way he could escape his fate, at least not for now.

If the Kami were merciful, he would leave one day. That was his secret hope. One day, he'd be free. There was nothing here for him except contempt and violence. Even if he managed to survive to adulthood there, he would be always their slave. In their eyes, the boy would be never more than a prostitute's bastard. He could bear that. After all, it was the truth.

His father had left him a share of the family's property, but he knew they would never give him that inheritance. It served him right because he was nothing, just scum lifted from the streets. Nevertheless, what he couldn't bear anymore was slavery and their mocking cruelty.

Soujirou went to the well to clean off his own blood. A strange sound drew his attention and when he turned the corner of the house, a terrible scene took his breath away. A strangely bandaged man was fighting with a policeman. In mere seconds, the bandaged man cut the policeman cleanly in half.

The child found himself rooted to the ground, in terror, and with fascination racing through his mind and body. He had never seen so much blood or a death occurring before his eyes… He had never seen so much blood or a death before...

< Strong… he is so strong… Nobody could beat him> he thought.

Suddenly he was looking into a pair of gleaming red eyes. His smile blossomed on his face, as his only terrorized reaction. The only one he could show.

- "You saw, boy. You could have seen, so I have no choice. I'll kill you here." - the man raised the sword, and Soujirou waited for the cold blade piercing his flesh, but something made the bandaged man stop.- "Are you so happy to die, boy?"

- "Huh?"- the boy looked about in confusion, but he realized at last that probably his smile had saved him again- "Huh? What? This? Ha ha . . . what?"

- " Boy! Get me food and some bandages. Do it and I'll let you live."

Soujirou hid the man in the farthest storeroom; it was hardly visited except by him during his work time. Hurriedly, before anyone inside realized, the boy took the body of the policeman and carried it away, burying it in a safe place that only he knew. Nobody would find him ever.

The hardest part of the whole thing wasn't cleaning the mess or the hard task of dragging the corpse. He was used to hard and unpleasant tasks. But the blood and the stench of the body fluids, the guts spilling out of the carcass… That made him feel sick, but only at first.

He recovered very soon. He had to. If his family discovered it, Soujirou realized, they would hand both him and the bandaged stranger to the authorities, after the greatest beating of his life.

Then, the boy hurried up, entering the house by a secret entrance he had used when he crawled inside to get something to eat on those occasions when he was desperately hungry. He found bandages and food and brought them to the man.

Soujirou watched him from the other side of a stack of rice bundles, while he was changing all his bandages. The man was horribly disfigured; burnt until his skin was brown, like burnt rice.

- "That's better. I can move now."

- " Um . . . sir?"

The man with the gleaming red eyes turned to look at him, and Soujirou hid instinctively behind the rice.

- "I'm not so old you have to call me sir. Well, maybe you can't tell like this."- the man snorted pointing at his bandages- "My name is Shishio."

- "Um, Mr. Shishio."

- "Yeah?"

- "You killed that policeman, so are you a bad guy?" - Soujirou was curious

- "The government is the real bad guy." - he made a pause-" They used me and then tried to burn me to death."

- "So you're a good guy then!"

- "No."- the man chuckled evilly, and his eyes shone with a fiery red light that froze the boy's blood in his veins- "I'm a fiend from hell."

Soujirou found himself trembling, cowering on the far side of the barn.

- "Don't run away. I said I wouldn't kill you."- the man named Shishio said almost nonchalantly. Then he leaned back, against the wooden wall-" I like it here. As long as you don't talk, no one's going to find me here. I'll stay here a while."

<He really is a bad guy, but . . . he's really, really strong . . .>

Yes, that man, Shishio was a bad man, a bad strong man. Maybe he could help him with his problem. Yes. Maybe.**********[3]

And the man called Shishio truly helped him.

He had showed Soujirou how to be the hunter instead of prey. And Soujirou was strong now. Stronger than his family, the strongest among the strong warriors of the Juppongatana, stronger than anybody else, except Shishio-sama.

But the day he had become one of the strong, feeding himself from his own family's flesh, he had lost a part of himself. But he didn't care. He had won in the end. Because, there was nothing more important in life than being strong.

The young man fidgeted in bed. He couldn't sleep. The conversation of that night and the uncanny sights and sounds reminded him of his own past. Why, he didn't know.

A fiend from Hell … That's what Shishio-sama had said back then. Why he was remembering these words so obsessively? Something in his gut said to him that he shouldn't disregard the feeling, that something else was happening, something that was…

A floating figure clad in a navy blue kimono, with an elaborate geisha hairstyle and ornate hairpins stood just in front of him.

- "Mo… mother?"

He rarely remembered her now. She had been the only good thing in his life before he had met Shishio-sama

- "Listen, Sou-chan, listen to your heart."

And as suddenly as she had appeared, she vanished.[4]

What was happening to him?

A throbbing headache started to torment him like every time he started to think, to ponder about his life, his deeds, his past.

- "Stop!"- Soujirou growled deeply- "Stop!"

It was the redhead's fault, surely. She was strange, radiating as much power as Shishio-sama, and maybe nearly as dangerous. It was all her doing. That's why his master and Yumi-neesan told him to stay away from her… She made him think and remember things, she made him feel. And sent his own mother to haunt him.

Such feelings, such thoughts, were meant for the weak. He was strong.

And thar was because of Shishio-sama's help. Nobody else had helped him. Ever. Not even his mother.

He was strong. He was strong… he was strong, hewasstrong, hewasstronghewasstr….

////////////////

Shishio was sprawled in his bed, his bandages gone, while Yumi massaged him gently, rubbing precious ointments to ease the pain and heal his raw skin.

Even after so many years, every shift, or the softest of touches could break to break his skin, even under the pile of bandages. Never mind. Soon he would have built the power he needed inside himself, and he would heal himself completely, regaining the handsome appearance of the human Hitokiri.

Yumi would be very pleased then. His demon queen…

Once he gained control over Earth, he would claim his place among his kind, taking what was his. And Iblis will suffer a fate worse than his. Yumi would reign by his side then. Of course, that would require a little sacrifice on her part, but what was a mortal life compared with eternal power? He'd make her death as quick and painless as possible and would raise her as a perfect young demon. His demonic mate for eternity. This human really deserved to be one of his kind, like several of his followers. He put his thoughts aside. Maybe these years among humans had started to get under his skin… Humans should never be the object of his thoughts, except to conquer and crush them.

- "We should leave the house as soon as possible. I'll talk to Houji first thing in the morning."- he broke the silence, as a way to escape his disturbing thoughts.

- "I agree, dear. Yukishiro has more information than is healthy for us."- Yumi said, while her hands worked gently, spreading the ointments on his chest.

- "Did you get a sample of his blood?"

- "Regrettably, no. And while we were guided back here, I spotted the servants still vigorously scrubbing the floors and the walls. Besides, the carpet in the library seemed different. I think she ordered that it should be replaced while we were eating… The Jinniyeh is a clever, cunning bitch."

They remained silent for a short while.

- "I think she has realized…"- Shishio hissed under Yumi's ministrations.

- "Do you think so?"

- "Yes. You said it yourself; she is a clever, cunning bitch. She has to be. She is alone. Besides, if she hadn't realized it yet, she will figure it out very, very soon, in several hours, no more than that. That's why we must leave the place."

- "But you'd never lose a battle against her!"

- "Of course not! However, if she has realized as much as I think she has, she might try to bring me to my limits. While I know that even then I will be able to defeat her, she could cause some damage that would delay the quest that's more important right now. Once we have Japan in our hands, I'll finish the affair. She is strong, so I'll offer her the chance to join our ranks, and hand the Beast to me. If she does not accept, I'll destroy her and claim the Beast for us anyway."

- "The thought of you taking him makes me jealous[5]…"

- "It's only a ritual."- he chuckled- "And it's necessary. I'm the only one who has the right to perform it."

- "I know, but I still don't like it."

- "I think he won't either"- his chuckle changed to full laughter- "but the pompous bastard will have to surrender anyway. And what either of you want is beside the point here. After that first time, I'll exercise my right over him only if he does not behave, I promise you. The rest of the time, I might allow the Jinniyeh to have him, if she decided to come with us. If not, maybe Kamatari would find him interesting enough to leave me alone, in the meantime."

- "The Beast will hate you for this."- she said thoughtfully.

- "Then, he will learn the hard way to behave. I know what you mean: every time a Beast has been awakened by a demon, the Beast ended destroying them both. This won't happen, darling. I will keep him in my iron grip. I'm one of those few who still know the ancient forbidden magic, and that will be enough to keep him in check."- he laughed again, pure evil flowing in the sickening sound- "I will have a good time with him… But enough of Yukishiro and the redhead bitch. Now, come here."

Yumi laughed lasciviously when he took her wrists with force, making her lean against his heated body. A well deserved moment of fun and relaxation, after the frustrating events of the day, she thought, while he crushed her under his weight.[6]

88888888888

Enishi and Asiyah had not exchanged a single word until they crossed the threshold of their bedroom. As soon as they were inside, he closed the door and leaned his back against it, closing his eyes.

- "Okay, you were right, I admit it. End of the game, Asiyah. So now… What's going on here? I want a full and very detailed explanation before I lose my mind completely. Unless I already have, and all of this is only part of my delusion."

- "No, it's real, believe me, as real as it can be. I'll explain as much as I can to you tonight, but first, we must protect ourselves."

He closed his eyes again, his jaws tightly shut in repressed anger at how events were unfolding. However, Asiyah knew that he would comply. He had no choice.

Asiyah went to her trunks and took out a box filled with a brilliant powder. She spread it on the carpet. Then, she realized that Enishi had just noticed the change in the furnishings.

- "Wait a minute… This carpet should be in my library! What is it doing here?"

- "Any blood of yours on the fabric could lead our sorceress guest trying to control or even harm you."- she showed him several spots in the carpet that had been marked by the brilliant powder. The spots disappeared in seconds- "Now the fabric is totally clean. I ordered the change while we were having dinner, as a necessary precaution. Tomorrow, I will order Mei Lin to return it to the library."

Enishi had a deep frown marring his fair features. He was on the verge of losing his patience completely, but Asiyah couldn't take any chances with these two 'guests'. She moved their bed to the center of the room, traced a magical circle, and established wards as their first barrier of protection. As long as they were inside, nothing they said in the place would be heard by unwanted ears, most spells could not cross them, or if it was strong enough to pass through them, the wards would give her some time to prepare the adequate countermeasures. Then, carefully, and gently, she took him by the hand, guiding him inside the circle. She made him sit on the bed and with a submissive attitude meant to placate his anger, she helped him to undress and slip into his bedclothes.

He was slightly more relaxed, but Asiyah could tell he was still royally pissed off.

- "Now we are safe. You should stay inside the circle. If you need something during the night, I'll bring it to you."

- "Is all this necessary? Asiyah, I want explanations. I need them to be long, detailed, and complete. I need to know why you are here, why they are here, why all of you seem to be around me. I… I just have one goal in life, and it was never related to the strange things I'm living."

- "It was my mistake. If I'd explained this to you at the beginning, you would not be so confused now. But I was afraid how you might take it."- she fidgeted under his sharp questioning gaze- "Everything would have happened the same way anyway, but you probably not have realized. If you hadn't found me in the desert now you would not be so confused…"

- "If I hadn't found you in the desert by now I'd be a collection of bare bones covered by sand… I'm very happy about that part of our meeting… However, tell me, how casual was our meeting in the desert?"

- "To be honest, I don't know. I was just passing time in my home, and my mirror started to glow, then I sensed you.

- You sensed me… what does this exactly mean? I suppose hundreds of men are lost in the desert… do you rescue all of them?"

- "No… but you were special… That's why I sensed you…"

She bit her lower lip. The moment of truth was near, and she couldn't avoid it any longer.

- "Special? What do you mean by 'special'?"

- "I've told you that I can feel magic in various creatures, either because they are under its influence, or because they are its source. I told you about the sorcerers, the Clans and the demons. Not in full detail, but you know they exist. You are aware of their existence and are acquainted with them… and I also told you that there is another category of magic beings, called Mystical Beasts. They are magical spirits that were created before Humans even existed and after which the animal creatures were shaped, with some of their characteristics, except for the rational thought."- Asiyah thought that explaining his role as a Guardian of Mankind in his present state, while he was a wicked criminal, would make no sense to him- "Sometimes, they mate with humans and they produce half-breed offspring that possess a supernatural strength and powers. These belong to the category of creatures branded by magic, those I can feel by their nature. When I first saw you in my mirror, all covered in dried blood and festering sores, wandering for only God knows how many days in that sandy tomb, I knew that you were not a common human. And then I felt the spirit of the Great Tiger roaring in your blood. At that tome, I thought that you were one of those half-breeds…"

- "My mother…"- he was really angry now

- "Shhh… Your mother had nothing to do with it; I'm not trying to say that she did anything improper. If you truly were a half-breed, the spirit of the Tiger would have possessed your father's body for his purposes."- after her clarification, she went on with her account- "Then I went and reported my discovery to the Elders. I wanted to have your guardianship…"

- "Wait a minute… what are you trying to imply? That I'm not an ordinary human being? Crap! This is too much. I know what I am and I'm not…"

- "You wanted answers and I'm giving them to you."- she cut off his rants, waving one hand in front of his face- "It's none of my problem if you don't like or believe in them. It's simply the way things are. Now, may I go on?"

- "Go ahead"- he growled.

- "As I said, I wanted to have you under my custody, since I was the one who had discovered you. It would have been a great honor, since people like you are rarely born nowadays, and they are real treasures. But the Elders refused. I knew that it was a deadly mistake. Creatures like you are placed on Earth for a purpose. So, I went out for you. I took you and healed you, as I've told you before. However, I was discovered, and expelled from my realm forever. Then, looking at you reminded me of the pain of losing everything. And that made me hate you just a little, even as the half-breed I thought you were back then. Therefore, I left you once I knew you were safe. Then, Fate, the Great Architect, or Kami, call it what you please, brought us together again. And then, I couldn't believe how stupid I'd been not to realize at first glance who you truly were. You are not a half-breed. You are the Mystical Beast himself, walking again among humans after five hundred years since your last incarnation."

- "What are you saying?"- he asked incredulously, his eyes bulging from their sockets- "What are you saying?"

- "That like the demon under Shishio's skin, and myself, you yourself are a magical being in the shape of a human body."

- "This is sheer insanity. Look. I can't deny what you are. I can't deny that supernatural things happened to me. I have my doubts about Shishio's nature after what was said and seen today, but I'm sure of one thing, and it's that I'm an ordinary man. I can't do anything like the things you do. I bleed when I'm hurt, and if someone poisoned me as they did you, I would sleep an eternal dream, not just one week's beauty sleep, as you did. I can't turn air into gems nor send fire from my hands when I'm attacked, as you do… well, unless you consider a gun and bullets to be fire… But I don't think that counts. Look at your hysteria about my security… If I were what you say I am…. why couldn't I protect myself?"

- "Look, you will be able to perform these things… and more, as soon as I discover the way to awaken your magical essence. I'm not telling you that this is easy to understand…"

- "Of course, it's not… Now, could you elaborate further, so I could have a better idea?"

He had crossed his arms over his chest, impatience burning fiercely in his eyes.

- "The nature of the Beasts is very delicate; they are easily influenced by external events while they are still fully human. That's why usually they are under the care and guide of the Clans. I have no answers to explain what happened to you. I don't know what the conditions of the Clans in the Islands are since my Clan and most of the mainland Clans are still at war with them, but I can only guess that the civil war in your country caused them to lose control over your actions and your whereabouts. They should have protected and guarded you until you were ready for your awakening. I also don't know why the Elders wanted you dead. They should have known better than me who you were at first glance. I know they do not trust men, but even a half-breed or a troublesome Beast is a blessing that should be protected until his time arrives. And now we have a demon here… I don't know why, but you are in grave danger."

There was a moment of silence between the two, and she found herself holding her breath

- "Let's assume you are right for a moment. So in the end, I attracted you because of my magnetic animal personality, is that what you are trying to say?"

She understood. There was a note of disappointment in his voice. Like so many others, the only reason she wanted his companionship was to gain something. Surely, he was thinking that at that moment. She was walking a slippery, treacherous path. She had to go ahead with great care here.

- "As far as I can remember, you were the one chasing me through China."- she answered obliquely, trying to avoid the real subject of his question

- "I didn't hear you opposing or rejecting me."

- "Do you mean after our second meeting? No, it's true. I didn't oppose you. I suppose it was just that I didn't want to spent the next centuries all alone."- she enjoyed his confused expression- "Look, magical beings enjoy long spans of life. After your awakening, yours will last six or seven hundred years, provided you survive all the enemies that will rise in your path. As I said before during dinner, I'm two hundred and fourteen years old. That demon, on the other hand is probably several millennia old"

An audible gasp escaped his lips, and his eyes went wide.

- "B-but you look so… young… and how could it be possible that I…"

- "That's because I am young! To be honest I'm the Jinni equivalent of a sixteen-year-old human girl. Time runs differently for us. As it will run differently for you. I don't know what will happen to me after we're bound by the awakening, but as for you, you won't grow any older from that day until your death. You won't look a single day older from the day the magic essence is awakened in you."

He was pensive for a moment, his brows knitted in a deep frown, digesting the information she had just provided to him.

- "Are you suggesting that Shishio's interest in dealing with me might be motivated by his interest in destroying me before my… awakening, so to speak, eliminating unwanted competition?"

- "He will seek your death only if he can't claim you. If he can bind you to him during your awakening, making you his servant, he will do it. You are a prize too precious for him not to try to get a hold on you."

- "Oh, I see…"- he was in deep silence, until his gaze met hers, dark shadows dancing in the turquoise depths- "Tell me the truth now Asiyah… are you also trying to make me into your servant?"

Asiyah sighed. She had made a terrible mistake delaying this explanation until after they had become lovers. Now he would suspect she'd only played with his feelings to gain the upper hand, a suspicion that would tarnish the bond forever.

- "No. Things are simply not like that. The connections among the three categories are different. Sorcerers can keep control over the magic aspect of the Beasts, that's why the relationships are so closely followed and controlled by the Clans. However, the human nature of the Beasts is free. The Demons have complete control over the Beasts, but the true nature and aim behind these creatures are so opposite that they always end their relationship in mutual annihilation. Nevertheless, as Jinni share part of the original aims and nature with the Beasts, the relationship is completely balanced, neither of the parties has absolute control, rather they complement each other. However, as Jinni developed an animosity against humans, Jinni are meant to serve the Beasts' interests. That means the Beast has the power of restraining his Jinni companion to some extent."

- "And what advantages do Jinni achieve from this 'association'?"

- "They are made stronger; they can gain their full powers long before complete maturity, and even access a level of magic reserved only for the Beasts."

- "Oh… I see…"- the hurt in his voice stabbed her.

- "But Jinni also dramatically shorten their lives in the exchange."- she explained, hurriedly- "A Jinniyeh like me could live up to two millennia. The moment I bind to you, I'll be sealing my fate. I'll die the day you die, whether it's due to natural causes or because you are killed in battle, even if that battle is miles away from where I am. I'll have to fight by your side, and even if you try to protect me by taking the wounds meant for me, I'll still suffer half of your injuries. It's a way to give you more chances of survival and success than if you were bound to a sorcerer. Demons probably would also be wounded, since they were originally Jinni. But I remind you: if you die, I die. However, it's not the other way around. If I die, you'll be weakened, your powers cut in half, but you will survive, until you find another consort to strengthen you again."

He was still studying her in dark silence, his face shadowed by doubt and bitterness. Asiyah knew that he felt used and betrayed to some extent. In a way, he was right, though Asiyah considered him her mate now, and she had to admit to herself that she had developed a true affection for him beyond her interests in Enishi as a magical creature. What she had promised concerning his justice against his sister's murderer was true, and he was closer to her than most of her friends had ever been. Asiyah shook her head. It would take a lot of effort to regain his trust.

- "Besides, you will achieve most Jinni powers,"- she went on with her explanation- "such as the possibility of making yourself invisible or changing the solid nature of your body to our more subtle form. That means that you'd be able to walk through solid walls and things like that. You'll also have a stronger control over fire than those Beasts bound to human sorcerers…"

- "Oh…"

He wore an unreadable, distant expression, and Asiyah felt the cold increasing in the room.

- "I'll be totally honest. It's true that I was only interested in you as a magical creature at first. But, during the time we have shared, things have changed somehow. Look, I'm being totally honest. I could be making something up, deceiving you, and dealing with Shishio on my own, keeping all of this outside your knowledge. Deception is easy for Jinni, it's what we are used to. Instead, I decided to tell the entire truth without holding back anything, and I'm doing it because you came to mean more to me than just a magical creature from which I can benefit. You mean a lot more to me now; you are my mate."

His silence was deafening, and she was growing desperate.

- "I know you won't trust me for a long time. I know how you feel. I'm sorry. I never wanted to trick you. I just didn't know how or when to explain this to you. It's so damn difficult… Even now, with all the things you've seen, it's hard for you to believe all these things… I have nobody to guide me and I'm doing the best I can. I don't expect you to believe or forgive me, not right now. But I'll make it up to you. I promise."

That was it. She had told him everything that had to be said. Only time would tell if Enishi had forgiven her, could forgive and trust her again. However, she knew she had done what was necessary. She couldn't hide things any longer.

- "Okay. I will forgive you just this once. And I will do it because I know Tomoe has chosen you. I'm very disappointed, though."

- "I know…"-she whispered- "I'm so sorry… May I do something to…?"

- "Not now"- he raised his hand- "but I want you to promise me that you will never hide anything from me again."

- "You have my word on it."

- "If you ever betray your word, everything will end between us."

- "I understand."- she said softly, casting her eyes down, biting her lip.

She was relieved that the ordeal had finished, but sadness and bitterness swelled in her heart. Things would never be the same between them. Now he would keep his walls up for her, on guard against another betrayal. As if she were one of his associates. It was all her fault.

- "I… I only did things the way I thought would be best."

- "You wanted to control me."- he said, coldly.

- "I can control you anytime I want. If that were my goal, I'd have already done it by this time. You can't oppose me, not right now. However… Did I do it? Besides… did you hear what I said? The bond between a Jinniyeh and Beast is in balance. Neither in control of the other."

- "How can I trust you now?"

- "Don't you trust the one who has been your guiding light through your life? Don't you trust Tomoe's choice? You said you were going to give me another chance because of her…"

After a brief inner struggle, he reached for her, pulling Asiyah into his lap, and finally hugging her. She relaxed against him, running her hands through his hair.

- "I'm so confused… Sometimes I think I'm still lost in the desert or that my own evil deeds caught up with me, and I'm only imagining all this. This is so… crazy…

- I know, I know… Don't worry, my dear, we'll make it through this together.- she said- I'm a bit clumsy, but I'll try to learn as much as possible and I'll guide you with the best of my knowledge."

- "So… Shishio is a demon…"

- "Yes, unfortunately…"

- "Are you completely sure?"

- "Absolutely."

- "And Komagata is his… magical consort?"

- "As much I'm yours…"

- "And I'm… a.. a Beast?"

- "The Great Tiger, yes."

- "Oh… It's weird… I always felt a certain affinity with that animal… and I always felt proud of my first bosses choosing 'tiger' as my nickname… It conveys… power, courage… and boldness."

- "It's not accidental. Just as it is not by chance that you, a demon, a sorceress and me had this encounter. It's not a common occurrence. Not at all. Something big is going on, Enishi, something very big. And you are in the center of all this. I have been even dreaming about another Jinni, a male…"

- "Those nightmares?"- he asked

- "Yes. In addition, I can't decipher them; everything around us is like pieces of a gigantic puzzle…"

- "Look, as long as I can achieve my goals, I will tolerate the situation."

- "As I told you, I will help you to achieve your justice. But you must stay loyal to your word, Enishi, and as soon as the circle of retribution is closed, we will leave this lifestyle, you have to sever the links with all your criminal activities. In the meantime, we must get to the bottom of this matter. It could be dangerous to both of us to let it rest."

- "You know I always keep my promises… As for all this magic stuff, I can't handle it. But I expect you to keep me informed."

- "Mmm… Now we should establish certain protective measures."

- "Oh, Kami!"- he groaned, letting himself fall over the pillow, obviously annoyed

- "I know, I know… I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't necessary. I'll have to be around you whenever you meet with Shishio. Don't let any excuse or circumstance make you spend a second alone with him or his sorceress"- his groaning grew louder- "Seta is a lesser evil. He is only influenced and now that you know certain things, I can teach you some basic tricks to counter any magic that his masters might try to channel through him. As a swordsman, I know you can handle him. Concerning what is happening around you and me… well, I'll try to make some investigations. And as you suggested, I'll keep you informed of my progress. Now… I think we should try to get some sleep."

She snuggled against him, and he wrapped his arm around her waist.

However, he was still distant. She sighed. Asiyah only could hope that time and Tomoe's help would ease her path.

/////////////

It was natural. Why should things be any different with her? Asiyah was like everybody else. After all, when she had told him what she truly was that day in the clinic, he knew that there was something she wanted to take from him. Now he knew what it was all about.

He felt miserable.

Only Tomoe's choice kept him from flinging the little redhead away from his side.

That and her genuine regret. He could sense it. So maybe there was still hope for them.

But then again, he had never been a forgiving man.