Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ This Is Forever ❯ Destined To Be Tested and Destined To Meet ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: laichi16 
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.01.2008 | Pages: 10 | Words: 10.3K | Visits: 775 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.01.2008 | Pages: 10 | Words: 10.3K | Visits: 775 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. All characters belong exclusively to Watsuki.
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Category: Alternate Universe (AU)
Summary: Kaoru, a young goddess, heir to the Throne of the Heavens is descended to earth for an assignment to prove she is worthy of being Ruler of the Heavens. Battousai, the Prince of Hell, is given the assignment to stop Kaoru from being placed on the throne; using every means possible.
Rated: R, for language, violence, and suggested material.
Couples: Battousai/Kaoru, Aoshi/Misao, Megumi/Sano
Genre: Humor, Angst, Drama, Romance
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This Is Forever
Chapter 1: "Destined To Be Tested"
To say Heaven was a paradise, where the gods lived, was an understatement. Mere words could not describe the home that belonged to the Heavenly beings since before time was conceived. It was a place where no mortal could taste, but merely look at in envy.
The palaces were made of the finest of ivory, so smooth to touch; not one rough indentation. The roofs were like domes, curved to perfection in an unbelievable way, much like an Arabian palace.
Many beautiful animals and birds that the earth had never seen recited in the Heavens. They brought beautiful songs, and calls that were hardly considered noise. Pure waters calmly ran their course through the palace’s springs, and into the drinking springs, and separating into the bathing waters.
Darkness never fell upon the place, for the gods were beings that stood for truth and light, compassion and mercy, and justice and love for all things great and small.
There were twelve main gods, but the main three were the rulers of the Heavens; the head god, Tengoku, his wife, Tochi, and their daughter, Kaoru.
According to the other beings of Heaven, Kaoru was not so beautiful as far as physical beauty was considered. The princess was believed to be plain compared to other beautiful gods and goddesses in the palace.
Kaoru, when described with words, had the darkest of hair; black like a moonless and starless night sky. Her eyes were crystal-blue like the purest of waters; so pure it was sweet to taste. Her skin was so light and smooth, like cream, a mortal man’s every wish to taste her.
The beauty of other gods and goddesses made Kaoru’s beauty seem plain, and pale in comparison. She was very much a disappointment to her mother and father, both great and beautiful rulers.
What stood out more about Kaoru was her beautiful spirit. So kind and merciful, that many mortals worshiped her because she heard their cries of anguish and pain.
She was the one that priests and priestesses prayed to when they performed exorcisms.
Kaoru was the goddess to drive the Demons of Hell out of the earth.
She was the great Kaoru, goddess of mercy, strength, and purity. She was the virgin goddess that no god or mortal, and especially a demon, dared to touch.
"What?! You’re sending me out there all alone?!"
She was the goddess of bad tempers, tomboys, and loud mouths.
Kaoru stood in her parents’ throne room, having received a message to meet them there for business to discuss. The young princess’ crystal eyes narrowed at her parents, both sitting their thrones made of pure gold.
"Why are you sending me out there to earth all alone?!" Kaoru cried out, indignantly.
"You are going there because it is a test." Kaoru’s father, Tengoku, calmly repeated, not bothered by his daughter’s rude outbursts.
"My duty is here, father!" Kaoru continued to protest. "The mortals of earth need me!"
"Kaoru, what I am about to tell you will not go beyond this room, understood?" Tengoku said, waiting for Kaoru to acknowledge his request, and she nodded. "After billions and
billions and billions and billions—"
"I get the point." Kaoru interrupted hotly, rolling her eyes even more heaven-ward.
Tengoku coughed indignantly, and continued, "As I was saying, after my billion and plus years of being on the Throne of Heavens, I have decided to step down, and let you take my place."
Kaoru gasped, not believing that she is next to sit on the throne. She knew, deep inside her heart, that she was not ready for it.
"So," Tengoku continued as if he never paused. "As my heir, you have to be tested to make sure you are ready to sit here where I am, as Heaven’s Ruler. You have to make sure you have patience, quality, and compassion."
"I have compassion in case you didn’t notice. I always help out mortals against the beings of hell." Kaoru huffed, folding her arms and mumbling something about old gods not paying attention.
"You think I don’t know how you do your job?!" Tengoku yelled out, his powerful voice echoing against the walls surrounding them, bouncing off the ivory, causing his wife to jump and his daughter to stumble backward and almost fall to the floor. "I know you do your job, but I am talking about sitting here, on this throne, and ruling all!"
In a much calmer voice, Tengoku continued, "I am referring to everything and anything. You have to listen to the gods and goddesses bring their issues here, listen to the mortals bring their issues here, and even the freak’n animals! It’s always nag, nag, nag, and nag!
Why do you think I have snow-white hair?! I got it the first day I sat on this throne!"
"Great. Now I have something to look forward to." Kaoru mumbled, but her father heard it.
"Don’t get smart with me! I want my retirement, and I’m going to get it! Oh, and I also want a grandchild sometime in the near century."
Kaoru looked at her father as if he just told her to pull a big miracle and lock all the demons up in hell.
"The throne, maybe I can do, but the having a child, no, not a chance."
"This is why your father and I have decided to arrange a marriage for you." Kaoru’s mother announced, speaking for the first time.
"Arranged?!" Kaoru shouted, not believing her parents dared to go behind her back and plot out her life. "You’re having an arranged marriage involving me?! Who the hell is the groom?!"
"For a goddess, you sure have a nasty mouth." Tochi sighed, shaking her head. "I suppose that is because your generation of gods and goddesses think it is just fine and dandy to use ‘hell’ anytime they please."
"Hell is just a place of torture and imprisonment." Kaoru explained impatiently. "When my generation used the term hell, we’re just using it as an expression."
"Regardless," Tengoku intervened, getting back to the original subject. "Your husband is going to be Akira Kiosatou."
Kaoru almost gagged. Akira Kiosatou is a fine god, and he had the looks that any mortal could envy, and he had a great heart. Yet, Akira was the love interest of Tomoe, goddess of marriage and wives-to-be, the perfect model for the perfect wife, and also Kaoru’s only true friend.
When one is next in line for the throne, other goddesses are nice to them, but envious behind their back. It was the same for Kaoru; the goddesses are friends to her, but hate her when she is not around. The gods flirt with her, hoping to win her heart just so they could get a piece of Heaven’s throne.
Only Tomoe was the one who was truly her best friend; her only friend. And here, her parents were going to marry her off to someone who was her only best friend’s love interest! So. Not. Fair!
"You can’t do that!" Kaoru yelled, desperate to keep her only friend. "Why would you do something as cruel as that?!"
"You are marrying Akira, end of discussion!" Tengoku yelled, standing from his throne.
"And you will go to earth to be tested to see if you are worthy of my throne! I will not
have my daughter sassing me and telling me that I, Ruler of the Heavens, cannot rule her life as well!"
Pushing back her tears, Kaoru numbly agreed, trying to think of a plan to get her out of the marriage situation. The whole going to earth thing she can handle, but getting married to Akira, her best friend’s love, she could not handle.
"Will I still have my powers as a goddess?" Kaoru asked in a defeated voice. Her parents won out.
"Yes and no." Tengoku answered, and he received an inquiring look from his daughter.
"You will live as a mortal while on earth. We can’t risk the demons knowing the Princess of Heaven is at a venerable place; therefore, you cannot have your powers on a regular basis. You may have them back when, and only when, you are in a desperate situation and it’s a matter of life and death."
"Where will I go, father? Where will I live?"
"I have sent a message to a priest and priestess who worship you. They live in Kyoto, at a shrine, and restaurant, called the Aoiya."
"The… Aoiya…?" Kaoru repeated the name. "Demo, why Kyoto, the City of Sin? It is a place that no god or goddess dares to enter. It is where… the Original Demon landed when he was cast out of Heaven."
"It is a good place to be tested. Don’t worry; the priest and priestess are good people who will believe you when you tell them you are who you are."
"What exactly do you want me to be tested on?"
"That is to remain unsaid, because it wouldn’t be a test if you knew all the questions on the test, right?" Tengoku asked, chuckling merrily.
"Is there anything else you wish to say to your daughter before you send her out into the City of Sin, father?" Kaoru asked, begging to get out of there.
"Nope, nothing else."
"Then I will leave you in humbleness." Kaoru said, bowing to her parents and then she quickly left the throne room.
Behind the ivory walls, a godly being smiled triumphantly, hearing everything that was ever said in the room.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kaoru was more than pissed off, and she made it known when she slammed the ivory door to her room closed. It made a huge bang, and it echoed through the walls of the palace.
Not being able to contain her tears anymore, Kaoru sobbed, and threw herself down on her bed, crying into her soft pillow.
Kaoru’s room was huge, to say the least. Her bed was big enough to fit six people all in a row, if they slept in her bed. The frame was made from the finest of cherry woods, and it even gave the room a fresh smell of cherry wood. The canopy material was made out of the best silk, softer than water.
Kaoru had a dresser where she kept her many silk pajamas, and undergarments. The dresser was made out of pure gold that made it looked like a huge treasure chest rather than a dresser. Her closet was a walk-in closet where her many beautiful and finest garments and kimonos were hung with extreme care, as if they was made of glass.
Suddenly, the room was filled with the soft sent of white plums, and Kaoru knew who had entered.
The princess sat up on her bed when a light weight pressed on the bed next to her; someone had sat down next to her.
"Kaoru-sama?" a soft voice said, filled with beauty and compassion; the perfect being in every way possible.
"Tomoe-chan, my parents are horrible!" Kaoru blurted out, hugging her best friend while placing her face on her shoulder.
Tomoe was soft and perfect, and smelled beautiful and perfect. She should have been the daughter of Tengoku and Tochi. At least they would be satisfied and proud of Tomoe.
She was the imagery of patience, fidelity, intelligence… perfection.
Tomoe would have merely nodded to the king and queen of heaven, accepted their every word and command. She would have agreed to going to earth without question, and she would be having an arranged marriage between herself and the one she loved.
Tomoe should have been the Princess of Heaven, and Kaoru would never give it a second thought if given the chance to exchange places with her best friend.
Breathing in deeply, Kaoru tried to focus on the wonderful smell of white plums that illuminated from Tomoe. That sent alone made Kaoru calm down no matter what mood she was in.
"Doushiteno, Kaoru-chan?" Tomoe asked, patting Kaoru’s back in an affectionate, sisterly way.
"My parents are forcing me to go to earth for some stupid test!" Kaoru cried, her anger elevating all over again.
"Oh, I’m sure it won’t be so bad, you’ll see." Tomoe reassured, brushing Kaoru’s tears away with her thumb.
"That’s not all." Kaoru breathed, trying to get her courage up to tell Tomoe this whopper tale. "When I get back, they’re forcing me to marry."
"I’m sure you’ll like him." Tomoe said gently.
"That’s the problem, I don’t like him. Well, I do, but only as a friend."
"Silly girl, you can still be friends when you marry, it’ll just be a bit weird."
"Tomoe-chan… the one my parents are forcing me to marry…" Kaoru gulped, closing her eyes, waiting for the blow that will make Tomoe cut off all ties with her. "Is Akira-san."
Tomoe stilled, her face blank and unreadable.
"Kiosatou-san?" Tomoe asked, trying to reassure that this is still the same Akira, even though there was only one Akira in the palace.
"H-Hai…" Kaoru confirmed, closing her eyes again. "Gomen nasai, Tomoe-chan. I wish my parents will get this stupid idea out of their heads!"
"It’s fine." Tomoe suddenly said, her eyes downcast. "If that’s what they want, I can’t argue, nor will I ever argue against them."
"Tomoe-chan…" Kaoru whispered, hating herself at that moment. Of course Tomoe would kindly step aside without an argument; that was the way she was. Never raising her voice to anyone, and always letting everyone have their own happiness.
Yet Kaoru was not happy.
"I know!" Kaoru announced as if it solved everything. "You and Akira-san can be lovers while he and I are married!"
Tomoe was not looking at her; she was looking at the wall as if it was a fascinating thing. Her eyes were still blank and downcast.
"When do you leave?" Tomoe asked, as if she was trying to change the subject.
"Oh, tomorrow. I’m so sorry, Tomoe-chan. If I could, I’d switch places with you. I’d let you be the Princess of the Heavens, and I can be you, just a normal, average goddess."
Tomoe gave a small smile while shaking her head.
"I don’t think I would want to be in your place." She said with a giggle.
"Oh gee, thanks! Some friend you are!" Kaoru laughed, grabbing her pillow and hitting Tomoe lightly on the shoulder with it.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Hell was a place of torture, immoral, and death. It sang of death, and stunk of death. It was the place the immoral mortals go. The murders, rapists, molesters, thieves, and everything else immoral; they all went to that place, never entering Nirvana.
The only building in the massive ruins of hell was a small palace that was hardly anything to be proud of. Its body was made of brimstone, the only stone that could endure the fires of hell, and even then, the brimstone melted after a few months. The slaves of hell would rebuild the palace made of imperfection until it melted again; it was an endless cycle. The palace looked more like an old palace of Japan than anything elegant.
It was always dark here, for the beings stood for lies, deceit, unkindness, and hate. Every day was a dread for the prisoners here because it was endless torture; endless burning and pain that filled the place with cries in the night, endless cries and pleas for help that went unheard, and unyielding.
In the pathetic brimstone palace, the Ruler of Hell sat on his throne, a note in his hand that was just delivered. His smile was cruel and hateful as he read the words again and again. He called his son into the room, which stood before him.
The Prince of Hell, known on earth to mortals as Battousai, was feared in all hearts of the moral and righteous. He was cunning, cruel, and tricky. He had days where he could ascend to earth, and he took possession of a person immoral.
While possessing a mortal’s body, he killed virgin women, bathing in their blood, eating their hearts, and letting the soothe, ruby liquid fill the throat of the mortal he possessed, feeling it at the same time as the person.
He never stopped, and would never have stopped, had a certain damn priest and priestess perform an exorcist on each mortal he possessed. Those two damn priest and priestess whom worshipped the goddess, princess of the Heavens, Kaoru.
Just the name Kaoru made his day grow darker than it already was; his heart was filled with hatred and spite when he heard her name. The very being who did utter her name was tortured even more when he was in hell, and if it be a mortal, he killed that person slowly, painfully, ripping out their vocal cords and cutting their tongue out.
Then that damn priest and priestess would arrive, sending him back to hell, and the cycle would start all over again.
Hell was just an endless, unbreakable cycle.
"Kenshin," the King of Hell said to his son, the note still in his powerful hand. "I have a note here in my hand that was just delivered to me from my little friend in the Heavens."
Kenshin did not say anything, his hard, cold amber eyes were focus on his mentor, his predecessor. The prince would have been considered beautiful had he not constantly looked blood lustful and angry. Not one scar was on his skin, unlike his father whom bore many scars, and horror stories of war.
"Apparently, the princess of Heavens, Ka—"
"Don’t say her damn name!" Kenshin growled, a disgusted sneer crossed his beautiful face, which was outlined by his blood-red hair.
"Well, as I was saying, baka deshi, the princess of Heavens is going to descend to earth. Her parents seem to want to test her in seeing if she is worthy of the throne. Due to this, I want you to do something."
"What is it, Hiko?" Kenshin asked, his face a look of boredom.
"I want you to ascend to earth in the form you are in now, and stop that wench from taking the throne. Use every means possible."
"Why try to stop her from taking the throne? If she does, then we can create a war with her, and possibly take over Heaven again."
Hiko looked at the note in his hand again, and then frowned at the insolent whelp standing before him.
"You discredit the girl too much, baka deshi. She is not an ordinary goddess; she is the goddess that drives demons from earth and puts them back in hell. This girl, if she is placed on the throne, will lock us all up in this damn place for eternity. No more free tickets back to the surface because she is the key to hell. The key that will keep us all locked up in here."
"So why are you sending me to do the dirty work?"
"I have a kingdom to rule!" Hiko shouted, wadding up the note into a paper ball and throwing it at his son, whom calmly stepped to the side, avoiding being hit by a pathetic weapon.
"Of course, I could do it myself," Hiko continued, moving into a sexy pose with his hand elegantly tossing his black hair back into place. "However, I have my place here, on this throne, so I can’t just go up to earth when I want. I have a schedule to follow, unlike you, and I won’t just pop up to earth when I feel like it."
"Hm." Kenshin said, an eyebrow raised. "You just don’t want to face the girl is what you really mean."
"You incompetent whelp! One more smart remark and it’s the pits of torture for you!"
"Whatever, old man, I have a mission to complete." Kenshin mumbled, turning his back on his father and walking out of the throne room.
"Hey!" Hiko continued to shout at the redheaded demon. "You’re supposed to bow before me! You’re supposed to grovel at my feet! Are you listening to me?! Damn kid!"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"All’s well in the majesty’s world, I presume?"
Kenshin looked to his left to see the next demon in line for the throne, if he did not prove himself worthy of sitting there.
"Enishi, what brings you here?" The Fire Demon asked, his face full of mistrust towards the other demon that bore snow-white hair and turquoise eyes.
"Just a curiosity… and I couldn’t help overhearing that you were given an assignment to keep a certain darling goddess from ascending to the Throne of Heaven."
"It’s nothing you should worry about." Kenshin snapped, and proceeded to walk away.
"Another curious question—" Enishi started, walking with the other demon’s brisk pace.
"Your curiosity is going to get you a one-way ticket to the pits." Kenshin interrupted, trying to make his pace faster.
"I’ll be curious anyway, and here’s the question: how’re you going to find this goddess when you, nor I, or any other demon and mortal has ever seen her?"
Kenshin stopped his pace with a snap; Enishi’s curiosity finally paid off.
"I will find her, no matter what." Kenshin answered calmly as if it was the most obvious answer. "I just have to find someone who may look like a mortal, but is more elegant and beautiful than them. She will stand out like a sore finger."
"Which finger are you talking about?" Enishi asked cruelly, and Kenshin answered him by flashing him a rude gesture with his middle finger.
"Okay, you got me there." Enishi admitted, smiling in his usual insane way. "So how’re you going to stop a goddess?"
As if not wanting to answer, Kenshin started to walk away at the same pace he was going before he stopped, yet Enishi still followed him.
Kenshin led them down an old, unused hall; their footsteps echoing off the brimstone walls. He stopped them in front of a door that was the entrance to a room; a very
forbidden room.
The entrance was sealed off by two double doors made out of brimstone. The handles were made out of a precious ruby stone, carved not to perfection, but close to it.
Enishi’s turquoise eyes widen with shock when he recognized the room, and the details inside.
"You can’t be serious!" Enishi exhaled, looking disbelieving at his companion.
"Oh, but I am. My father said ‘every means necessary.’" Kenshin chuckled cruelly, opening the two double doors for the weapon he was taking with him.
The one weapon that would be the cause of Kaoru’s demise for the throne.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Everything is ready, Kaoru-sama." A little goddess girl exclaimed, handing her mistress a very full clothes bag.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Tsubame-chan." Kaoru thanked, taking the bag gently from the little servant girl.
Tsubame, a secondary goddess, served Kaoru through centuries of servitude. Kaoru loved the little girl, and she never worked her too hard; never asked for too much from her.
"I will miss you, Kaoru-sama." Tsubame exclaimed, her eyes tearful and downcast.
"Don’t worry, I’ll be fine." Kaoru said, giving the girl a kind hug. "I’ll be back before you know it!"
"Hai…"
When Kaoru left her room, she made her way towards the marble steps that led out of the Heavens; the steps that no mortal or demon could find; it was just strictly for the gods’ uses.
Taking in a deep breath, Kaoru looked at the ivory palace one more time, her goodbyes said, and she walked down the mile-long steps.
To Be Continued...
This Is Forever
Chapter 2: "Destined To Meet"
Kaoru felt so uncomfortably out of place. Not only were the buildings so huge and tall and the population so large that people were walking in the streets, but also because she was a goddess disgusted as a mortal. In a way, it made her feel bare; naked.
She wore a kimono, or in Kyoto dialect, obebe, that any geisha would love to own; or, again in Kyoto dialect, geiko.
It was an elegant kimono made of the best silk; Kaoru was so proud when she received it as a birthday present from her parents. It was crystal-blue in color, matching her eyes, forcing anyone that looked upon her to look straight at her eyes first. It was decorated in cherry blossoms that looked like they were actual cherry petals that were blown onto the soft fabric.
As elegant and beautiful the kimono was, it made Kaoru stand out severely. Some people passing the goddess stared at her because they wondered why a geiko would be walking around without face paint on. Was she going to a ceremony? Maybe she should have worn face paint…
The place was filled with so much immorality that any demon could be walking around freely, wishing to do her or anyone else harm. The goddess did not come unprepared, however; under her kimono, she carefully hid a weapon that would make any demon sorry they messed with her.
Kaoru blushed, looked at the directions written on a piece of paper, and continued on. She did not have her goddess aura, but she still stood out. Anyone, and any demon, could find her. She had to find the Aoiya as quickly as possible.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kyoto was paradise to the redheaded demon. It was filled with immorality, ignorance, and death. It was like a second home, without the enjoyment of him watching other souls be tormented, unfortunately.
The Demon Prince wore dark brown sneakers, a black cloak, a dark blue shirt, and black pants. He carefully hid his weapon under his cloak, making sure it was not too obvious.
Smiling smugly, Kenshin tied the last knot to his sneakers, adjusted the black cloak more around him, and walked out of the alley.
All he needed to do was find that damn wench.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kyoto was like hell on earth. First, it would be considered a demon’s paradise, and second, it was a maze of buildings; it was a forest of buildings.
She had seen Heavenly buildings, but the mortal buildings were not made of the ivory she was used to. They were made of steel, cement, and glass; one good tsunami, or earthquake and the whole city of steel could tumble down; or perhaps she did not give the mortals enough credit.
Kaoru looked at her directions once again and tried to look for the street that was written on the tab paper. She sighed; she had no success with following directions.
As she walked, she kept her eyes on the paper, not looking up once until she ran into someone.
"Oh, I’m so sorry!" Kaoru apologized, and gave the stranger a bow.
"Watch where you’re going next time, bitch." The stranger rudely said, and turned to go the other direction until a hand on his arm stopped him from continuing on.
"There was no need for that kind of language!" Kaoru scolded, still looking at the backside of the small man. "I did apologize!"
The stranger slowly turned around, casting Kaoru a very cold look that made her release her hold on his arm.
He was very handsome; his blood-red hair framed his face perfectly, and was kept up in a high ponytail. His skin looked soft and smooth, and his eyes were like cat’s eyes. The color of his pupils, however, was terrifying. They looked like cold, hard amber that set a blazing fire through Kaoru’s body.
Both strangers did not know how long they stood there, staring at each other. However, the redhead was the first to turn to walk away.
"Matte!" Kaoru yelled, stopping the stranger once more. "D-Do you know where I can find the Aoiya?"
"I’m not from here." The man informed coldly.
"Oh. I see." Kaoru replied, looking at the paper in her hand. "Never mind, then. Thank you anyway."
"Oi, who’re you?" the hot stranger asked, causing Kaoru to halt.
"Oh, um, I’m Ka…" Kaoru hesitated saying her name; although this guy was unbelievably handsome, she felt bad vibes coming from him. "Ka… gome. My name is Kagome."
"Hm."
"What’s your name?"
"Never mind." The stranger said, barley giving her a "Sayonara."
Kaoru huffed, and mumbled something about rude Kyoto people.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kenshin disappeared into the crowd of people, the image of the girl he just saw was burned into his mind.
‘That couldn’t have been the goddess.’ He said to himself roughly. ‘She was cute, she stood out, but that was probably because she was wearing a kimono. No one wears a kimono in this day of age. She was just a moral girl.’
Still, in the prince’s mind, the girl stayed there. The elaborate kimono she was wearing still stood out in his mind, along with the pink ribbon she wore in her hair that kept her ponytail up in its hold.
The girl smelled like the mountain wind after a snow fall; she smelled fresh with a hint of something that did not seem… mortal. She truly smelled beautiful.
Her eyes, however, stood out most in Kenshin’s mind. The crystal-blue eyes were unlike anything he had ever seen before; they were immortal, like a precious gem.
Kenshin suddenly stopped his pace, and someone behind him ran into him. ‘Was she the goddess? She said her name was "Kagome," but… could it be--?’
"Gods, whatcha do that for?!" the person who was behind him shouted, and the prince looked back to see a mortal getting up.
It was another girl, but was not the one he had been thinking about. This one was very small, had a heart-shaped face, and was wearing a shrine uniform. Her hair was long, but the long part of it was kept back in a braid, and the rest was cut short.
The shrine uniform was a white gi, and a blue hakama. The girl was not an ordinary mortal; she was a priestess, and a very powerful one from what Kenshin could feel.
The girl huffed, folded her arms at the prince, and narrowed her aquamarine eyes at him. Apparently, she was waiting for the demon to apologize.
‘Like hell I will.’ Kenshin thought to himself, and raised an eyebrow towards the girl.
"Misao, ikazu." A male voice said from behind the girl.
"Hai, Aoshi-sama." The girl, Misao, exclaimed and followed the man.
For a brief instant, but what seemed like a long while, the mortal man, with short black hair and ice-blue eyes, looked back at the Demon Prince; their eyes locked together.
The man, "Aoshi-sama," was wearing shrine clothing as well; it was the same white gi, and blue hakama the girl was wearing. He was a priest, and much stronger than his priestess companion.
The man narrowed his eyes at Kenshin, seemingly knowing what he was, but did not want to make a huge scene in front of a large crowd of people.
Kenshin narrowed his eyes towards the priest, and they kept their eye contact until they disappeared into the river of other mortals.
Still standing alone, the Demon Prince took a mental note that those two were the priest and priestess that performed exorcisms; the two mortals who worshiped the goddess, Kaoru. They were also the two mortals who had sent him back to hell a million times over.
‘What would they be doing out of their shrine?’ Kenshin wondered, narrowing his eyes even more towards where he last saw them. ‘They wouldn’t be out of the goddess’ shrine unless… unless they know that she’s down here, and they’re searching for her.’
Suddenly, the image of the girl he saw with the crystal-blue eyes and beautiful kimono came into his mind.
‘Kuso! The goddess was her!’ The prince cursed at himself for being so stupid and falling for the false name "Kagome." ‘Of course I’d not know she was the goddess! I’ve never seen her before, and she looked just like a mortal. She is not beautiful at all; how disappointing.’
Cursing himself again, Kenshin ran, unseen, between the seas of other mortals, using his inhuman speed to try to find that damn wrench. He had to find her before those other two mortals!
OOOOOOOOOOO
Kaoru looked at the row of restaurants; it was like the street was the dedicated, main site for food. Her father told her the Aoiya is a restaurant and a shrine, so that means it would more than likely be on that particular street if it were truly a restaurant.
Kaoru winced when she saw the street lasted for miles. Her geta shoes were already making her feet ache. Deciding to do this at least an easy way, Kaoru stopped an old man with white hair, a white, pointy beard, and a thick white mustache.
"Excuse me, ojii-san." Kaoru began, holding up the paper she had in her hands for a while. "Can you tell me where I can find the Aoiya?"
The old man suddenly chuckled, and replied, "Yes, the Aoiya is my restaurant, young miss."
"Oh! Well, I’m—"
"Kaoru-sama, yes, I know. We’ve been expecting you. Aoshi and Misao are out looking for you, but I’ll send them a carrier pigeon to deliver a message to them."
"Ano… excuse me, ojii-san, but, who are you?" Kaoru asked, wondering why he was the owner of the Aoiya.
"Oh, my name is Okina, just Okina if you will."
"Okay, Okina, thank you so much for helping me. I’ve been lost ever since I got here."
"Yes, well, when Aoshi and Misao realized you were a bit late, they started to become worried. They thought there was some demon after you."
The image of the very handsome stranger she saw earlier suddenly came into Kaoru’s mind. He had abnormally colored eyes; the likes of which she had never seen before.
"Um, I don’t think there would be a demon after me." Kaoru chuckled nervously. "They shouldn’t know I’m here."
"Well, then, life is good!" Okina said cheerfully, pointing to a restaurant close to where they were standing. "That’s the Aoiya. We should give you something to eat if you’re hungry."
"Yes, thank you." Kaoru said gratefully, following the old man. "Some food sounds good."
OOOOOOOOOOO
Kenshin already knew enough about mortals to be able to look in a phone book. After all, he had been to earth many times to know what the book is used for, and what information it holds.
He already took a mortal man aside in an alley and "asked" him what is the "Aoiya." After the man told the demon that the Aoiya is a very popular restaurant, Kenshin kindly left the mortal with his throat ripped out.
The prince walked to the nearest public pay phone; for all public phones had phones books in them that also had addresses. If the mortal was correct, then that means that the restaurant, "Aoiya," is listed, because all restaurants are listed if they want to stay in business.
Going down the list, Kenshin finally came to a listed address and phone number to a restaurant called "Aoiya."
Ripping the page out of the book, Kenshin folded the paper up and placed it in his jeans’ pocket. He knew exactly where the goddess was going.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
"Hey, Aoishi-sama, isn’t that Lu # 4?" the priestess, Misao, asked as she looked up at the nearest tree.
Trees were very rarely seen in Kyoto, for they needed every space available for building.
Although there were a few shrines and country sides, they were not found anywhere in downtown Kyoto. However, for the sake of the people living in the city, there were a few trees for them to look at in order to change the scenery in way.
"Aa, it is." Aoishi said, recognizing the pigeon from the pouch attached to her foot, which carried a message.
Lu # 4 was a well trained pigeon that was a great navigator, but was not quite go swift with her wings. She was the Aoiya’s "non-emergency pigeon," and she was sent out if a message, that was not very important, was to be delivered.
Aoishi went over to the pigeon and took the message from her pouch, which afterwards she took off, having delivered the message.
The priest unrolled the paper, and read it:
Kaoru-sama is with me.
--Okina.
"Aoshi-sama?" Misao said, trying to decipher if the message needed to be answered immediately, or later.
"Okina has her with him." Aoshi replied, taking out a lighter from his pocket and setting the paper on fire.
In an important mission like this, every documented must be destroyed to prevent any linkage to the whereabouts of the protectors of Kaoru-sama.
"Well, let’s go!" Misao exclaimed cheerfully, unable to contain her excitement. "I wanna see the goddess whom you taught me so much about, and the one who saved your life!"
"Aa." Was all Aoshi was able to say as he followed after the bubbly, young woman towards the Aoiya.
In all honesty, what could one say if they were to meet the one being whom they prayed to, showed unwavering loyalty to, and the one who spared the servant’s life?
Aoishi silently wondered if Kaoru-sama looked the same now as she did back then.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The Aoiya was a normal, mortal building; the front entrance was for the customers to enter, acknowledge their presence, and wait to be seated, and then served.
The customers’ quarters were filled with old-time tables and cushions where they have to sit down to eat at, and it was also filled with wall-to-wall old artifacts; katana swords, samurai armor, old Japanese clothing such as a female kimono, and a male kimono, and also little statues of the gods.
Kaoru blushed when she saw a small shrine in the corner of the customers’ quarters that had her statue on it, made of pure ivory, and lighted incense around it. Her statue was small, but it was the same pose all of her statues had, big or small.
She was always portrayed as one who stood proudly; her head held up towards the heavens, her left arm stretched out, holding a white dove that rested peacefully in her palm.
Her right arm was down at her side, holding a sword, and engraved on the blade was the word, "shinjitsu."
"Why do you look embarrassed, Kaoru-sama?" Okina asked, watching her carefully as she looked at one of the shrines dedicated to her.
"Gomen nasai, I just… it’s just a bit strange knowing I’m worshipped, but actually seeing it being done is… quite different and strange. Do you know what I’m saying?"
"Unfortunately, I don’t because I’ve never been worshiped." Okina replied with a chuckled.
Kaoru forced a small smile as Okina continued to speak.
"I’m more into worshiping Takatsuki-sama, the god of sex." Okina smiled mischievously as Kaoru blushed when she first heard Katsura’s name.
"Oh, him." Was all Kaoru could say, for Katsura was a fine god, with great looks, and always did his job, however, he was a bit of a trouble-maker, and a… "He’s a nymphomaniac."
"Well, that’s why they call him the ‘sex god.’ I’ve been praying to him for the longest time to send me a good looking young woman, with a fine figure, and—"
"Okina, who is this?" a woman asked, having just came in from the back room.
Kaoru looked at the woman, whom was dressed in an old fashion serving kimono. Her black hair was put up in a bun, and she carried a round tray that usually had food on it.
She regarded Kaoru with a mixture of puzzlement and curiosity; not a trace of hostility could be found.
Kaoru relaxed her muscles, now knowing the woman meant her no harm.
"Oh, Okon, this is Kaoru-sama; Kaoru-sama, this is Okon. She works here."
"’Works here?!’ More like run the place." Okon huffed, placing a hand on her hip since the other one was preoccupied with the tray she bared. "It’s such an honor to meet you, Kaoru-sama." The waitress acknowledged Kaoru, and she gave the goddess a deep bow.
Kaoru returned the bow, and Okina smiled, and clasped his hands together as if making another plan.
"Well, let’s get the grills going!" he announced, and Okon groaned, knowing that the old man intended to party that night. "Let’s close early, and get this celebration started!"
Okina left through the back room where the waiters and waitresses apparently go through when the Aoiya was serving customers.
Okon turned to Kaoru and said, "You know, you coming here was only an excuse for Okina to party. Don’t worry about him; he really is a kind, gentle man. He loves his daughter, Misao, so much. It would kill him if anything happened to her."
"Hai." Kaoru responded, even though she did not know how to, but she could tell Okina was a good man.
"You know, you probably have a lot of people worshiping you, and it’s hard to remember who is who," Okon began, looking at Kaoru intently. "Yet, I wonder if you remember a little boy named Aoshi. You saved his life at one point."
"His name sounds so familiar," Kaoru responded. "I’m sure I’ll know him if I see him."
"I hope so. Aoshi loves you so much; he’d be disappointed if you’ve forgotten him. You know, at first glance, you really can’t tell you’re a goddess until you speak. Your voice is so soothing and relaxing to hear."
"Arigatou." Kaoru replied, smiling at the kindness of this mortal woman.
"Hey, Okon!" Okina called from the other side of the door. "Are you going to get cooking, or do we have to order take-out?"
Okon growled deep in her throat, and narrowed her beautiful eyes at the door.
"And I’ll need your soothing voice to handle this man."
She motioned for Kaoru to follow her into the backroom. When they entered, Kaoru saw a restaurant-like kitchen. It was huge and filled with pots, pans, and many other professional cooking utensils. There were many cupboards all around the kitchen that probably had food stored, and eating utensils for the customers.
Okon led Kaoru further from the kitchen to the dinning room. The dinning room was small, but not uncomfortably so, with a wooden table that looked like it could seat ten or more. It was another one of those old-fashion Japanese tables where one has to sit on cushions to eat off of it.
Okon turned to the right where there was a hallway with several closets, and down the hallway to a staircase. They went up the wooden staircase, and at the top, Kaoru saw a row of old-fashion Japanese, sliding doors. Counting eight doors, Kaoru continued to follow Okon down the hallway until they came to the last door; the eighth room.
Okon slid open the wooden door, and stepped aside for Kaoru to enter. The goddess did, and she looked around at the surroundings. There was a closet that had sliding doors, and was very much like the entrance to the room. The floor was tatami flooring, and in the corner was a rolled up futon with many blankets.
"I’m sure it’s not quite what you’re used to, Kaoru-sama, but we tried to fix it up as much as possible." Okon said as she watched Kaoru inspect her surroundings.
"It’s wonderful. Thank you to all of you." Kaoru exclaimed when she turned around to smile at the kind woman.
"You’re quite welcome." Okon responded, giving Kaoru a smile in return. "You’re free to come and go as you please, just don’t make yourself too noticed, you know?" Kaoru nodded in understanding. "When the others get here, we’ll introduce you to them. In the mean time, I’d better get to that dinner and get lots of sake unless I want Okina angry with me."
Kaoru smiled in response, and Okon closed the door to give the goddess some privacy.
When the mortal left, Kaoru fell to her knees, then sat on her legs in the old-fashion Japanese way, folded her hands together, bowed her head and prayed.
"Great Tengoku-sama, please hear your daughter. She is here in the mortals’ realm wondering what she should do to be tested. She humbly asks what she should do to earn your pride and trust during your assessment."
Kaoru awaited an answer or sign, and received nothing. Sighing in doubt, the princess got back to her feet, and went downstairs.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Narrowing his amber eyes at the restaurant, Kenshin crumpled up the piece of paper that he ripped out from the phone book.
So she was there, living amongst filthy mortals. The prince wondered how far this goddess would sink to a low level before she finally has enough, and demands to be brought back to heaven.
Kenshin assumed she would not even last a week, for she must have a high ego if she was the Princess of the Heavens.
The prince looked at the setting sun casting orange hues to the City of Sin, the one city he loved when it was in war back in the 1800s.
For Kenshin, that time was the best time of them all. No one gave a damn about other people and kindness was a thing of the past.
Cracking his neck, Kenshin studied the building, looking over each detail until it was engraved in his mind. After that, he turned and walked away to an area that was not too far, yet not too close to be detected.
When the sun was up, Tengoku, the head god, could see everything that was happening. Kenshin did not doubt that the old man would especially look after his daughter, so now was not the time to attack her and risk being exposed.
When the Hour of the Demon comes, however, he will attack the goddess in the dead of night, and he will have her head.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Okon, we’re home!" a man called to the kitchen, carrying several pounds of food.
"Seriously, was it necessary to send Lu #1 to contact us when it wasn’t an emergency?"
"Yes, Shiro, it was an emergency." Okon replied, giving the three people who entered a wave of her hand to tell them where to place the packages.
As soon as the three people place the packages down on the counter, Kaoru came down from her room, and looked at the three mortals in curiosity.
One girl saw her, and gasped, her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped. Upon hearing the girl gasp, Okon turned around and saw her looking at Kaoru in amazement.
"Oh, everyone," Okon said to get everybody’s attention to the young goddess standing between their dinning room and kitchen. "This is Kaoru-sama."
Once they heared her name, the three mortals bowed low before Kaoru. The goddess returned the bow, and Okon continued introducing them.
"This is Kuro."
Kaoru smiled at the lumbering giant, wondering how any mortal could grow so large.
"This is Shiro."
This man had black hair that was spiked forward, and bandana tied around his head.
"And this is Omasu."
Omasu was the girl who saw Kaoru, and she had black hair tied up in a bun.
"It’s very nice to meet all of you." Kaoru announced, breaking the growing silence.
"Would you like any help, Okon-san?"
Okon looked startled at the goddess’ request, and she numbly shook her head in a negative response.
"Oh, no, that’s alright." Okon sputtered, giving Omasu a clean spoon and she pointed to the stove. "Omasu is going to help me."
Kaoru sighed to herself and nodded, wondering about to the back door where she could hear the other people talking.
"That was her?" Kuro asked, his voice filled with amazement.
"That had to be! Did you see her kimono?" Shiro replied.
"She was beautiful, but… she didn’t look like a goddess—"
"—Until she spoke." Okon interrupted Omasu’s speech. "She has such a soft, Heavenly voice, correct?"
The other three mumbled in agreement, and Kaoru shrugged her shoulders, and left to the garden in the back.
As soon as she left outside, Kaoru accidentally bumped into a semi-smaller person. The girl she ran into had long black hair kept in a braid and the rest of her hair, preferably her
bangs, were cut short and spiked in different directions.
She had aquamarine eyes, and she wore a priestess uniform that looked like she was a mortal who worshiped Kaoru herself.
"Oh, I’m very sorry about that." Kaoru apologized, giving the girl a bow.
"That’s alright; Aoshi-sama and I were in a hurry anyway. Who are you?"
"Kaoru-sama…"
Both women looked behind them to see a man with short black hair, and ice-blue eyes. His eyes, while the rest of his face did not show emotion, were filled with amazement, wonder, and disbelief.
"Kaoru-sama?" the girl repeated, looking back at Kaoru.
Kaoru kept her eyes on Aoshi; her memory of years ago was dug up and placed back into her mind’s eye.
She knew that man; he was the little boy she saved. While looking at Aoshi, Kaoru’s mind saw a small, scared little boy standing next to him. He was the little boy who held on to her tightly when she spared his life.
Aoshi; that was what he said his name was when Kaoru inquired it all those years ago. He was the first mortal she had ever showed herself to.
"Aoshi…" Kaoru said, her eyes widening in amazement. "You’re the little boy…"
Aoshi nodded, walked over to Kaoru, and fell to his knees before her. The goddess also fell to her knees and she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You still look the same as you did back then." Aoshi commented as he wrapped his arms around his goddess also.
"The years have been a blessing to you, Aoshi of the Oniwanbanshuu." Kaoru replied, and then released the man to stare at his face. "Very blessed."
Aoshi nodded, and they both got to their feet and realized that during their greeting the girl Kaoru had bumped into was forgotten. She looked uncomfortably out of place, and she pretended to be more interested in her feet as she twisted them in the green grass.
"Misao, this is Kaoru-sama." Aoshi informed.
The girl, Misao, nodded towards Kaoru and said, "I figured that."
The way Misao looked at her made Kaoru suspicious of her feelings for the man she rescued. It was a mixture of amazement, wonder, and yet a tinge of jealousy.
"You are truly as Aoshi-sama has described you, Kaoru-sama." Misao complemented with a forced smile.
"Arigatou." Kaoru replied, feeling sympathy for the poor girl. "Okina said we’re having a party tonight."
When the goddess said Okina’s name, Misao’s face brightened up into a true smile.
"That’s just like Jiya to use you coming here as an excuse to party!" Misao said with a chuckle and she turned to enter the Aoiya.
The party was an interesting one for Kaoru. She had never tasted mortal food before, and it was wonderful. The sake was especially wonderful when it was warm.
Curious questions were constantly being asked of Kaoru, such as what was it like to be a goddess, and what kind of food does the gods eat.
Kaoru answered the questions the best she could, but explaining it to mortals proved to be quite difficult. They asked what gods’ food taste like, and what heaven looks like.
Kaoru could not explain either of these things to their satisfaction, and they soon gave up trying to get more answers out of her.
Kaoru took a great liking to Misao, the bubbly girl that was the main source of the questions being asked. Unlike Tomoe, Misao was a girl that was very much like herself; like she was a long-lost twin.
Misao and Kaoru bonded to a certain level due to personality similarities. For this, the goddess was very grateful; she at least had a mortal friend on earth.
After the party, Kaoru retired to the garden, having her offer to help once again rejected, and the others cleaned up.
The garden behind the Aoiya was not like the gardens Kaoru was use to, but it did have its similarities. There was one cherry blossom tree that still had sakura petals hanging on it. The grass was a perfect green, and at the far end of the white fence that surrounded it, were rose bushes.
The roses were pure white and innocent, most were fully bloomed, and the branches seemed to bow to Kaoru.
She went over to the roses and gently touched their milky-soft petals; the sweet smell reached her nose, and she breathed in the aroma.
"Having a fun time, ‘Kagome?’" a cold voice inquired from the other side of the fence.
As soon as the voice finished the statement, the last rays the sun vanished, and the Time of the Demon entered the mortal realm.
Kaoru jumped and looked to her left; the man she saw earlier in the day was standing there. Though it was quickly growing dark, his amber eyes burned in the twilight like fire. The goddess froze before the being before her.
"W-Who are you?" Kaoru choked, her arm ever so slowly moving to the weapon hidden in her kimono.
The being looked demonic in the lasting grip of light, his skin, unlike most demons, was perfect and unmarred with scars.
"You don’t need to know." He answered as he unsheathed the sword by his side.
"Princess of the Heavens, I have come for your head."
To Be Continued…
OOOOOOOOO
Category: Alternate Universe (AU)
Summary: Kaoru, a young goddess, heir to the Throne of the Heavens is descended to earth for an assignment to prove she is worthy of being Ruler of the Heavens. Battousai, the Prince of Hell, is given the assignment to stop Kaoru from being placed on the throne; using every means possible.
Rated: R, for language, violence, and suggested material.
Couples: Battousai/Kaoru, Aoshi/Misao, Megumi/Sano
Genre: Humor, Angst, Drama, Romance
OOOOOOOOOOO
This Is Forever
Chapter 1: "Destined To Be Tested"
To say Heaven was a paradise, where the gods lived, was an understatement. Mere words could not describe the home that belonged to the Heavenly beings since before time was conceived. It was a place where no mortal could taste, but merely look at in envy.
The palaces were made of the finest of ivory, so smooth to touch; not one rough indentation. The roofs were like domes, curved to perfection in an unbelievable way, much like an Arabian palace.
Many beautiful animals and birds that the earth had never seen recited in the Heavens. They brought beautiful songs, and calls that were hardly considered noise. Pure waters calmly ran their course through the palace’s springs, and into the drinking springs, and separating into the bathing waters.
Darkness never fell upon the place, for the gods were beings that stood for truth and light, compassion and mercy, and justice and love for all things great and small.
There were twelve main gods, but the main three were the rulers of the Heavens; the head god, Tengoku, his wife, Tochi, and their daughter, Kaoru.
According to the other beings of Heaven, Kaoru was not so beautiful as far as physical beauty was considered. The princess was believed to be plain compared to other beautiful gods and goddesses in the palace.
Kaoru, when described with words, had the darkest of hair; black like a moonless and starless night sky. Her eyes were crystal-blue like the purest of waters; so pure it was sweet to taste. Her skin was so light and smooth, like cream, a mortal man’s every wish to taste her.
The beauty of other gods and goddesses made Kaoru’s beauty seem plain, and pale in comparison. She was very much a disappointment to her mother and father, both great and beautiful rulers.
What stood out more about Kaoru was her beautiful spirit. So kind and merciful, that many mortals worshiped her because she heard their cries of anguish and pain.
She was the one that priests and priestesses prayed to when they performed exorcisms.
Kaoru was the goddess to drive the Demons of Hell out of the earth.
She was the great Kaoru, goddess of mercy, strength, and purity. She was the virgin goddess that no god or mortal, and especially a demon, dared to touch.
"What?! You’re sending me out there all alone?!"
She was the goddess of bad tempers, tomboys, and loud mouths.
Kaoru stood in her parents’ throne room, having received a message to meet them there for business to discuss. The young princess’ crystal eyes narrowed at her parents, both sitting their thrones made of pure gold.
"Why are you sending me out there to earth all alone?!" Kaoru cried out, indignantly.
"You are going there because it is a test." Kaoru’s father, Tengoku, calmly repeated, not bothered by his daughter’s rude outbursts.
"My duty is here, father!" Kaoru continued to protest. "The mortals of earth need me!"
"Kaoru, what I am about to tell you will not go beyond this room, understood?" Tengoku said, waiting for Kaoru to acknowledge his request, and she nodded. "After billions and
billions and billions and billions—"
"I get the point." Kaoru interrupted hotly, rolling her eyes even more heaven-ward.
Tengoku coughed indignantly, and continued, "As I was saying, after my billion and plus years of being on the Throne of Heavens, I have decided to step down, and let you take my place."
Kaoru gasped, not believing that she is next to sit on the throne. She knew, deep inside her heart, that she was not ready for it.
"So," Tengoku continued as if he never paused. "As my heir, you have to be tested to make sure you are ready to sit here where I am, as Heaven’s Ruler. You have to make sure you have patience, quality, and compassion."
"I have compassion in case you didn’t notice. I always help out mortals against the beings of hell." Kaoru huffed, folding her arms and mumbling something about old gods not paying attention.
"You think I don’t know how you do your job?!" Tengoku yelled out, his powerful voice echoing against the walls surrounding them, bouncing off the ivory, causing his wife to jump and his daughter to stumble backward and almost fall to the floor. "I know you do your job, but I am talking about sitting here, on this throne, and ruling all!"
In a much calmer voice, Tengoku continued, "I am referring to everything and anything. You have to listen to the gods and goddesses bring their issues here, listen to the mortals bring their issues here, and even the freak’n animals! It’s always nag, nag, nag, and nag!
Why do you think I have snow-white hair?! I got it the first day I sat on this throne!"
"Great. Now I have something to look forward to." Kaoru mumbled, but her father heard it.
"Don’t get smart with me! I want my retirement, and I’m going to get it! Oh, and I also want a grandchild sometime in the near century."
Kaoru looked at her father as if he just told her to pull a big miracle and lock all the demons up in hell.
"The throne, maybe I can do, but the having a child, no, not a chance."
"This is why your father and I have decided to arrange a marriage for you." Kaoru’s mother announced, speaking for the first time.
"Arranged?!" Kaoru shouted, not believing her parents dared to go behind her back and plot out her life. "You’re having an arranged marriage involving me?! Who the hell is the groom?!"
"For a goddess, you sure have a nasty mouth." Tochi sighed, shaking her head. "I suppose that is because your generation of gods and goddesses think it is just fine and dandy to use ‘hell’ anytime they please."
"Hell is just a place of torture and imprisonment." Kaoru explained impatiently. "When my generation used the term hell, we’re just using it as an expression."
"Regardless," Tengoku intervened, getting back to the original subject. "Your husband is going to be Akira Kiosatou."
Kaoru almost gagged. Akira Kiosatou is a fine god, and he had the looks that any mortal could envy, and he had a great heart. Yet, Akira was the love interest of Tomoe, goddess of marriage and wives-to-be, the perfect model for the perfect wife, and also Kaoru’s only true friend.
When one is next in line for the throne, other goddesses are nice to them, but envious behind their back. It was the same for Kaoru; the goddesses are friends to her, but hate her when she is not around. The gods flirt with her, hoping to win her heart just so they could get a piece of Heaven’s throne.
Only Tomoe was the one who was truly her best friend; her only friend. And here, her parents were going to marry her off to someone who was her only best friend’s love interest! So. Not. Fair!
"You can’t do that!" Kaoru yelled, desperate to keep her only friend. "Why would you do something as cruel as that?!"
"You are marrying Akira, end of discussion!" Tengoku yelled, standing from his throne.
"And you will go to earth to be tested to see if you are worthy of my throne! I will not
have my daughter sassing me and telling me that I, Ruler of the Heavens, cannot rule her life as well!"
Pushing back her tears, Kaoru numbly agreed, trying to think of a plan to get her out of the marriage situation. The whole going to earth thing she can handle, but getting married to Akira, her best friend’s love, she could not handle.
"Will I still have my powers as a goddess?" Kaoru asked in a defeated voice. Her parents won out.
"Yes and no." Tengoku answered, and he received an inquiring look from his daughter.
"You will live as a mortal while on earth. We can’t risk the demons knowing the Princess of Heaven is at a venerable place; therefore, you cannot have your powers on a regular basis. You may have them back when, and only when, you are in a desperate situation and it’s a matter of life and death."
"Where will I go, father? Where will I live?"
"I have sent a message to a priest and priestess who worship you. They live in Kyoto, at a shrine, and restaurant, called the Aoiya."
"The… Aoiya…?" Kaoru repeated the name. "Demo, why Kyoto, the City of Sin? It is a place that no god or goddess dares to enter. It is where… the Original Demon landed when he was cast out of Heaven."
"It is a good place to be tested. Don’t worry; the priest and priestess are good people who will believe you when you tell them you are who you are."
"What exactly do you want me to be tested on?"
"That is to remain unsaid, because it wouldn’t be a test if you knew all the questions on the test, right?" Tengoku asked, chuckling merrily.
"Is there anything else you wish to say to your daughter before you send her out into the City of Sin, father?" Kaoru asked, begging to get out of there.
"Nope, nothing else."
"Then I will leave you in humbleness." Kaoru said, bowing to her parents and then she quickly left the throne room.
Behind the ivory walls, a godly being smiled triumphantly, hearing everything that was ever said in the room.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kaoru was more than pissed off, and she made it known when she slammed the ivory door to her room closed. It made a huge bang, and it echoed through the walls of the palace.
Not being able to contain her tears anymore, Kaoru sobbed, and threw herself down on her bed, crying into her soft pillow.
Kaoru’s room was huge, to say the least. Her bed was big enough to fit six people all in a row, if they slept in her bed. The frame was made from the finest of cherry woods, and it even gave the room a fresh smell of cherry wood. The canopy material was made out of the best silk, softer than water.
Kaoru had a dresser where she kept her many silk pajamas, and undergarments. The dresser was made out of pure gold that made it looked like a huge treasure chest rather than a dresser. Her closet was a walk-in closet where her many beautiful and finest garments and kimonos were hung with extreme care, as if they was made of glass.
Suddenly, the room was filled with the soft sent of white plums, and Kaoru knew who had entered.
The princess sat up on her bed when a light weight pressed on the bed next to her; someone had sat down next to her.
"Kaoru-sama?" a soft voice said, filled with beauty and compassion; the perfect being in every way possible.
"Tomoe-chan, my parents are horrible!" Kaoru blurted out, hugging her best friend while placing her face on her shoulder.
Tomoe was soft and perfect, and smelled beautiful and perfect. She should have been the daughter of Tengoku and Tochi. At least they would be satisfied and proud of Tomoe.
She was the imagery of patience, fidelity, intelligence… perfection.
Tomoe would have merely nodded to the king and queen of heaven, accepted their every word and command. She would have agreed to going to earth without question, and she would be having an arranged marriage between herself and the one she loved.
Tomoe should have been the Princess of Heaven, and Kaoru would never give it a second thought if given the chance to exchange places with her best friend.
Breathing in deeply, Kaoru tried to focus on the wonderful smell of white plums that illuminated from Tomoe. That sent alone made Kaoru calm down no matter what mood she was in.
"Doushiteno, Kaoru-chan?" Tomoe asked, patting Kaoru’s back in an affectionate, sisterly way.
"My parents are forcing me to go to earth for some stupid test!" Kaoru cried, her anger elevating all over again.
"Oh, I’m sure it won’t be so bad, you’ll see." Tomoe reassured, brushing Kaoru’s tears away with her thumb.
"That’s not all." Kaoru breathed, trying to get her courage up to tell Tomoe this whopper tale. "When I get back, they’re forcing me to marry."
"I’m sure you’ll like him." Tomoe said gently.
"That’s the problem, I don’t like him. Well, I do, but only as a friend."
"Silly girl, you can still be friends when you marry, it’ll just be a bit weird."
"Tomoe-chan… the one my parents are forcing me to marry…" Kaoru gulped, closing her eyes, waiting for the blow that will make Tomoe cut off all ties with her. "Is Akira-san."
Tomoe stilled, her face blank and unreadable.
"Kiosatou-san?" Tomoe asked, trying to reassure that this is still the same Akira, even though there was only one Akira in the palace.
"H-Hai…" Kaoru confirmed, closing her eyes again. "Gomen nasai, Tomoe-chan. I wish my parents will get this stupid idea out of their heads!"
"It’s fine." Tomoe suddenly said, her eyes downcast. "If that’s what they want, I can’t argue, nor will I ever argue against them."
"Tomoe-chan…" Kaoru whispered, hating herself at that moment. Of course Tomoe would kindly step aside without an argument; that was the way she was. Never raising her voice to anyone, and always letting everyone have their own happiness.
Yet Kaoru was not happy.
"I know!" Kaoru announced as if it solved everything. "You and Akira-san can be lovers while he and I are married!"
Tomoe was not looking at her; she was looking at the wall as if it was a fascinating thing. Her eyes were still blank and downcast.
"When do you leave?" Tomoe asked, as if she was trying to change the subject.
"Oh, tomorrow. I’m so sorry, Tomoe-chan. If I could, I’d switch places with you. I’d let you be the Princess of the Heavens, and I can be you, just a normal, average goddess."
Tomoe gave a small smile while shaking her head.
"I don’t think I would want to be in your place." She said with a giggle.
"Oh gee, thanks! Some friend you are!" Kaoru laughed, grabbing her pillow and hitting Tomoe lightly on the shoulder with it.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Hell was a place of torture, immoral, and death. It sang of death, and stunk of death. It was the place the immoral mortals go. The murders, rapists, molesters, thieves, and everything else immoral; they all went to that place, never entering Nirvana.
The only building in the massive ruins of hell was a small palace that was hardly anything to be proud of. Its body was made of brimstone, the only stone that could endure the fires of hell, and even then, the brimstone melted after a few months. The slaves of hell would rebuild the palace made of imperfection until it melted again; it was an endless cycle. The palace looked more like an old palace of Japan than anything elegant.
It was always dark here, for the beings stood for lies, deceit, unkindness, and hate. Every day was a dread for the prisoners here because it was endless torture; endless burning and pain that filled the place with cries in the night, endless cries and pleas for help that went unheard, and unyielding.
In the pathetic brimstone palace, the Ruler of Hell sat on his throne, a note in his hand that was just delivered. His smile was cruel and hateful as he read the words again and again. He called his son into the room, which stood before him.
The Prince of Hell, known on earth to mortals as Battousai, was feared in all hearts of the moral and righteous. He was cunning, cruel, and tricky. He had days where he could ascend to earth, and he took possession of a person immoral.
While possessing a mortal’s body, he killed virgin women, bathing in their blood, eating their hearts, and letting the soothe, ruby liquid fill the throat of the mortal he possessed, feeling it at the same time as the person.
He never stopped, and would never have stopped, had a certain damn priest and priestess perform an exorcist on each mortal he possessed. Those two damn priest and priestess whom worshipped the goddess, princess of the Heavens, Kaoru.
Just the name Kaoru made his day grow darker than it already was; his heart was filled with hatred and spite when he heard her name. The very being who did utter her name was tortured even more when he was in hell, and if it be a mortal, he killed that person slowly, painfully, ripping out their vocal cords and cutting their tongue out.
Then that damn priest and priestess would arrive, sending him back to hell, and the cycle would start all over again.
Hell was just an endless, unbreakable cycle.
"Kenshin," the King of Hell said to his son, the note still in his powerful hand. "I have a note here in my hand that was just delivered to me from my little friend in the Heavens."
Kenshin did not say anything, his hard, cold amber eyes were focus on his mentor, his predecessor. The prince would have been considered beautiful had he not constantly looked blood lustful and angry. Not one scar was on his skin, unlike his father whom bore many scars, and horror stories of war.
"Apparently, the princess of Heavens, Ka—"
"Don’t say her damn name!" Kenshin growled, a disgusted sneer crossed his beautiful face, which was outlined by his blood-red hair.
"Well, as I was saying, baka deshi, the princess of Heavens is going to descend to earth. Her parents seem to want to test her in seeing if she is worthy of the throne. Due to this, I want you to do something."
"What is it, Hiko?" Kenshin asked, his face a look of boredom.
"I want you to ascend to earth in the form you are in now, and stop that wench from taking the throne. Use every means possible."
"Why try to stop her from taking the throne? If she does, then we can create a war with her, and possibly take over Heaven again."
Hiko looked at the note in his hand again, and then frowned at the insolent whelp standing before him.
"You discredit the girl too much, baka deshi. She is not an ordinary goddess; she is the goddess that drives demons from earth and puts them back in hell. This girl, if she is placed on the throne, will lock us all up in this damn place for eternity. No more free tickets back to the surface because she is the key to hell. The key that will keep us all locked up in here."
"So why are you sending me to do the dirty work?"
"I have a kingdom to rule!" Hiko shouted, wadding up the note into a paper ball and throwing it at his son, whom calmly stepped to the side, avoiding being hit by a pathetic weapon.
"Of course, I could do it myself," Hiko continued, moving into a sexy pose with his hand elegantly tossing his black hair back into place. "However, I have my place here, on this throne, so I can’t just go up to earth when I want. I have a schedule to follow, unlike you, and I won’t just pop up to earth when I feel like it."
"Hm." Kenshin said, an eyebrow raised. "You just don’t want to face the girl is what you really mean."
"You incompetent whelp! One more smart remark and it’s the pits of torture for you!"
"Whatever, old man, I have a mission to complete." Kenshin mumbled, turning his back on his father and walking out of the throne room.
"Hey!" Hiko continued to shout at the redheaded demon. "You’re supposed to bow before me! You’re supposed to grovel at my feet! Are you listening to me?! Damn kid!"
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"All’s well in the majesty’s world, I presume?"
Kenshin looked to his left to see the next demon in line for the throne, if he did not prove himself worthy of sitting there.
"Enishi, what brings you here?" The Fire Demon asked, his face full of mistrust towards the other demon that bore snow-white hair and turquoise eyes.
"Just a curiosity… and I couldn’t help overhearing that you were given an assignment to keep a certain darling goddess from ascending to the Throne of Heaven."
"It’s nothing you should worry about." Kenshin snapped, and proceeded to walk away.
"Another curious question—" Enishi started, walking with the other demon’s brisk pace.
"Your curiosity is going to get you a one-way ticket to the pits." Kenshin interrupted, trying to make his pace faster.
"I’ll be curious anyway, and here’s the question: how’re you going to find this goddess when you, nor I, or any other demon and mortal has ever seen her?"
Kenshin stopped his pace with a snap; Enishi’s curiosity finally paid off.
"I will find her, no matter what." Kenshin answered calmly as if it was the most obvious answer. "I just have to find someone who may look like a mortal, but is more elegant and beautiful than them. She will stand out like a sore finger."
"Which finger are you talking about?" Enishi asked cruelly, and Kenshin answered him by flashing him a rude gesture with his middle finger.
"Okay, you got me there." Enishi admitted, smiling in his usual insane way. "So how’re you going to stop a goddess?"
As if not wanting to answer, Kenshin started to walk away at the same pace he was going before he stopped, yet Enishi still followed him.
Kenshin led them down an old, unused hall; their footsteps echoing off the brimstone walls. He stopped them in front of a door that was the entrance to a room; a very
forbidden room.
The entrance was sealed off by two double doors made out of brimstone. The handles were made out of a precious ruby stone, carved not to perfection, but close to it.
Enishi’s turquoise eyes widen with shock when he recognized the room, and the details inside.
"You can’t be serious!" Enishi exhaled, looking disbelieving at his companion.
"Oh, but I am. My father said ‘every means necessary.’" Kenshin chuckled cruelly, opening the two double doors for the weapon he was taking with him.
The one weapon that would be the cause of Kaoru’s demise for the throne.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Everything is ready, Kaoru-sama." A little goddess girl exclaimed, handing her mistress a very full clothes bag.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Tsubame-chan." Kaoru thanked, taking the bag gently from the little servant girl.
Tsubame, a secondary goddess, served Kaoru through centuries of servitude. Kaoru loved the little girl, and she never worked her too hard; never asked for too much from her.
"I will miss you, Kaoru-sama." Tsubame exclaimed, her eyes tearful and downcast.
"Don’t worry, I’ll be fine." Kaoru said, giving the girl a kind hug. "I’ll be back before you know it!"
"Hai…"
When Kaoru left her room, she made her way towards the marble steps that led out of the Heavens; the steps that no mortal or demon could find; it was just strictly for the gods’ uses.
Taking in a deep breath, Kaoru looked at the ivory palace one more time, her goodbyes said, and she walked down the mile-long steps.
To Be Continued...
This Is Forever
Chapter 2: "Destined To Meet"
Kaoru felt so uncomfortably out of place. Not only were the buildings so huge and tall and the population so large that people were walking in the streets, but also because she was a goddess disgusted as a mortal. In a way, it made her feel bare; naked.
She wore a kimono, or in Kyoto dialect, obebe, that any geisha would love to own; or, again in Kyoto dialect, geiko.
It was an elegant kimono made of the best silk; Kaoru was so proud when she received it as a birthday present from her parents. It was crystal-blue in color, matching her eyes, forcing anyone that looked upon her to look straight at her eyes first. It was decorated in cherry blossoms that looked like they were actual cherry petals that were blown onto the soft fabric.
As elegant and beautiful the kimono was, it made Kaoru stand out severely. Some people passing the goddess stared at her because they wondered why a geiko would be walking around without face paint on. Was she going to a ceremony? Maybe she should have worn face paint…
The place was filled with so much immorality that any demon could be walking around freely, wishing to do her or anyone else harm. The goddess did not come unprepared, however; under her kimono, she carefully hid a weapon that would make any demon sorry they messed with her.
Kaoru blushed, looked at the directions written on a piece of paper, and continued on. She did not have her goddess aura, but she still stood out. Anyone, and any demon, could find her. She had to find the Aoiya as quickly as possible.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kyoto was paradise to the redheaded demon. It was filled with immorality, ignorance, and death. It was like a second home, without the enjoyment of him watching other souls be tormented, unfortunately.
The Demon Prince wore dark brown sneakers, a black cloak, a dark blue shirt, and black pants. He carefully hid his weapon under his cloak, making sure it was not too obvious.
Smiling smugly, Kenshin tied the last knot to his sneakers, adjusted the black cloak more around him, and walked out of the alley.
All he needed to do was find that damn wench.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kyoto was like hell on earth. First, it would be considered a demon’s paradise, and second, it was a maze of buildings; it was a forest of buildings.
She had seen Heavenly buildings, but the mortal buildings were not made of the ivory she was used to. They were made of steel, cement, and glass; one good tsunami, or earthquake and the whole city of steel could tumble down; or perhaps she did not give the mortals enough credit.
Kaoru looked at her directions once again and tried to look for the street that was written on the tab paper. She sighed; she had no success with following directions.
As she walked, she kept her eyes on the paper, not looking up once until she ran into someone.
"Oh, I’m so sorry!" Kaoru apologized, and gave the stranger a bow.
"Watch where you’re going next time, bitch." The stranger rudely said, and turned to go the other direction until a hand on his arm stopped him from continuing on.
"There was no need for that kind of language!" Kaoru scolded, still looking at the backside of the small man. "I did apologize!"
The stranger slowly turned around, casting Kaoru a very cold look that made her release her hold on his arm.
He was very handsome; his blood-red hair framed his face perfectly, and was kept up in a high ponytail. His skin looked soft and smooth, and his eyes were like cat’s eyes. The color of his pupils, however, was terrifying. They looked like cold, hard amber that set a blazing fire through Kaoru’s body.
Both strangers did not know how long they stood there, staring at each other. However, the redhead was the first to turn to walk away.
"Matte!" Kaoru yelled, stopping the stranger once more. "D-Do you know where I can find the Aoiya?"
"I’m not from here." The man informed coldly.
"Oh. I see." Kaoru replied, looking at the paper in her hand. "Never mind, then. Thank you anyway."
"Oi, who’re you?" the hot stranger asked, causing Kaoru to halt.
"Oh, um, I’m Ka…" Kaoru hesitated saying her name; although this guy was unbelievably handsome, she felt bad vibes coming from him. "Ka… gome. My name is Kagome."
"Hm."
"What’s your name?"
"Never mind." The stranger said, barley giving her a "Sayonara."
Kaoru huffed, and mumbled something about rude Kyoto people.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Kenshin disappeared into the crowd of people, the image of the girl he just saw was burned into his mind.
‘That couldn’t have been the goddess.’ He said to himself roughly. ‘She was cute, she stood out, but that was probably because she was wearing a kimono. No one wears a kimono in this day of age. She was just a moral girl.’
Still, in the prince’s mind, the girl stayed there. The elaborate kimono she was wearing still stood out in his mind, along with the pink ribbon she wore in her hair that kept her ponytail up in its hold.
The girl smelled like the mountain wind after a snow fall; she smelled fresh with a hint of something that did not seem… mortal. She truly smelled beautiful.
Her eyes, however, stood out most in Kenshin’s mind. The crystal-blue eyes were unlike anything he had ever seen before; they were immortal, like a precious gem.
Kenshin suddenly stopped his pace, and someone behind him ran into him. ‘Was she the goddess? She said her name was "Kagome," but… could it be--?’
"Gods, whatcha do that for?!" the person who was behind him shouted, and the prince looked back to see a mortal getting up.
It was another girl, but was not the one he had been thinking about. This one was very small, had a heart-shaped face, and was wearing a shrine uniform. Her hair was long, but the long part of it was kept back in a braid, and the rest was cut short.
The shrine uniform was a white gi, and a blue hakama. The girl was not an ordinary mortal; she was a priestess, and a very powerful one from what Kenshin could feel.
The girl huffed, folded her arms at the prince, and narrowed her aquamarine eyes at him. Apparently, she was waiting for the demon to apologize.
‘Like hell I will.’ Kenshin thought to himself, and raised an eyebrow towards the girl.
"Misao, ikazu." A male voice said from behind the girl.
"Hai, Aoshi-sama." The girl, Misao, exclaimed and followed the man.
For a brief instant, but what seemed like a long while, the mortal man, with short black hair and ice-blue eyes, looked back at the Demon Prince; their eyes locked together.
The man, "Aoshi-sama," was wearing shrine clothing as well; it was the same white gi, and blue hakama the girl was wearing. He was a priest, and much stronger than his priestess companion.
The man narrowed his eyes at Kenshin, seemingly knowing what he was, but did not want to make a huge scene in front of a large crowd of people.
Kenshin narrowed his eyes towards the priest, and they kept their eye contact until they disappeared into the river of other mortals.
Still standing alone, the Demon Prince took a mental note that those two were the priest and priestess that performed exorcisms; the two mortals who worshiped the goddess, Kaoru. They were also the two mortals who had sent him back to hell a million times over.
‘What would they be doing out of their shrine?’ Kenshin wondered, narrowing his eyes even more towards where he last saw them. ‘They wouldn’t be out of the goddess’ shrine unless… unless they know that she’s down here, and they’re searching for her.’
Suddenly, the image of the girl he saw with the crystal-blue eyes and beautiful kimono came into his mind.
‘Kuso! The goddess was her!’ The prince cursed at himself for being so stupid and falling for the false name "Kagome." ‘Of course I’d not know she was the goddess! I’ve never seen her before, and she looked just like a mortal. She is not beautiful at all; how disappointing.’
Cursing himself again, Kenshin ran, unseen, between the seas of other mortals, using his inhuman speed to try to find that damn wrench. He had to find her before those other two mortals!
OOOOOOOOOOO
Kaoru looked at the row of restaurants; it was like the street was the dedicated, main site for food. Her father told her the Aoiya is a restaurant and a shrine, so that means it would more than likely be on that particular street if it were truly a restaurant.
Kaoru winced when she saw the street lasted for miles. Her geta shoes were already making her feet ache. Deciding to do this at least an easy way, Kaoru stopped an old man with white hair, a white, pointy beard, and a thick white mustache.
"Excuse me, ojii-san." Kaoru began, holding up the paper she had in her hands for a while. "Can you tell me where I can find the Aoiya?"
The old man suddenly chuckled, and replied, "Yes, the Aoiya is my restaurant, young miss."
"Oh! Well, I’m—"
"Kaoru-sama, yes, I know. We’ve been expecting you. Aoshi and Misao are out looking for you, but I’ll send them a carrier pigeon to deliver a message to them."
"Ano… excuse me, ojii-san, but, who are you?" Kaoru asked, wondering why he was the owner of the Aoiya.
"Oh, my name is Okina, just Okina if you will."
"Okay, Okina, thank you so much for helping me. I’ve been lost ever since I got here."
"Yes, well, when Aoshi and Misao realized you were a bit late, they started to become worried. They thought there was some demon after you."
The image of the very handsome stranger she saw earlier suddenly came into Kaoru’s mind. He had abnormally colored eyes; the likes of which she had never seen before.
"Um, I don’t think there would be a demon after me." Kaoru chuckled nervously. "They shouldn’t know I’m here."
"Well, then, life is good!" Okina said cheerfully, pointing to a restaurant close to where they were standing. "That’s the Aoiya. We should give you something to eat if you’re hungry."
"Yes, thank you." Kaoru said gratefully, following the old man. "Some food sounds good."
OOOOOOOOOOO
Kenshin already knew enough about mortals to be able to look in a phone book. After all, he had been to earth many times to know what the book is used for, and what information it holds.
He already took a mortal man aside in an alley and "asked" him what is the "Aoiya." After the man told the demon that the Aoiya is a very popular restaurant, Kenshin kindly left the mortal with his throat ripped out.
The prince walked to the nearest public pay phone; for all public phones had phones books in them that also had addresses. If the mortal was correct, then that means that the restaurant, "Aoiya," is listed, because all restaurants are listed if they want to stay in business.
Going down the list, Kenshin finally came to a listed address and phone number to a restaurant called "Aoiya."
Ripping the page out of the book, Kenshin folded the paper up and placed it in his jeans’ pocket. He knew exactly where the goddess was going.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
"Hey, Aoishi-sama, isn’t that Lu # 4?" the priestess, Misao, asked as she looked up at the nearest tree.
Trees were very rarely seen in Kyoto, for they needed every space available for building.
Although there were a few shrines and country sides, they were not found anywhere in downtown Kyoto. However, for the sake of the people living in the city, there were a few trees for them to look at in order to change the scenery in way.
"Aa, it is." Aoishi said, recognizing the pigeon from the pouch attached to her foot, which carried a message.
Lu # 4 was a well trained pigeon that was a great navigator, but was not quite go swift with her wings. She was the Aoiya’s "non-emergency pigeon," and she was sent out if a message, that was not very important, was to be delivered.
Aoishi went over to the pigeon and took the message from her pouch, which afterwards she took off, having delivered the message.
The priest unrolled the paper, and read it:
Kaoru-sama is with me.
--Okina.
"Aoshi-sama?" Misao said, trying to decipher if the message needed to be answered immediately, or later.
"Okina has her with him." Aoshi replied, taking out a lighter from his pocket and setting the paper on fire.
In an important mission like this, every documented must be destroyed to prevent any linkage to the whereabouts of the protectors of Kaoru-sama.
"Well, let’s go!" Misao exclaimed cheerfully, unable to contain her excitement. "I wanna see the goddess whom you taught me so much about, and the one who saved your life!"
"Aa." Was all Aoshi was able to say as he followed after the bubbly, young woman towards the Aoiya.
In all honesty, what could one say if they were to meet the one being whom they prayed to, showed unwavering loyalty to, and the one who spared the servant’s life?
Aoishi silently wondered if Kaoru-sama looked the same now as she did back then.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The Aoiya was a normal, mortal building; the front entrance was for the customers to enter, acknowledge their presence, and wait to be seated, and then served.
The customers’ quarters were filled with old-time tables and cushions where they have to sit down to eat at, and it was also filled with wall-to-wall old artifacts; katana swords, samurai armor, old Japanese clothing such as a female kimono, and a male kimono, and also little statues of the gods.
Kaoru blushed when she saw a small shrine in the corner of the customers’ quarters that had her statue on it, made of pure ivory, and lighted incense around it. Her statue was small, but it was the same pose all of her statues had, big or small.
She was always portrayed as one who stood proudly; her head held up towards the heavens, her left arm stretched out, holding a white dove that rested peacefully in her palm.
Her right arm was down at her side, holding a sword, and engraved on the blade was the word, "shinjitsu."
"Why do you look embarrassed, Kaoru-sama?" Okina asked, watching her carefully as she looked at one of the shrines dedicated to her.
"Gomen nasai, I just… it’s just a bit strange knowing I’m worshipped, but actually seeing it being done is… quite different and strange. Do you know what I’m saying?"
"Unfortunately, I don’t because I’ve never been worshiped." Okina replied with a chuckled.
Kaoru forced a small smile as Okina continued to speak.
"I’m more into worshiping Takatsuki-sama, the god of sex." Okina smiled mischievously as Kaoru blushed when she first heard Katsura’s name.
"Oh, him." Was all Kaoru could say, for Katsura was a fine god, with great looks, and always did his job, however, he was a bit of a trouble-maker, and a… "He’s a nymphomaniac."
"Well, that’s why they call him the ‘sex god.’ I’ve been praying to him for the longest time to send me a good looking young woman, with a fine figure, and—"
"Okina, who is this?" a woman asked, having just came in from the back room.
Kaoru looked at the woman, whom was dressed in an old fashion serving kimono. Her black hair was put up in a bun, and she carried a round tray that usually had food on it.
She regarded Kaoru with a mixture of puzzlement and curiosity; not a trace of hostility could be found.
Kaoru relaxed her muscles, now knowing the woman meant her no harm.
"Oh, Okon, this is Kaoru-sama; Kaoru-sama, this is Okon. She works here."
"’Works here?!’ More like run the place." Okon huffed, placing a hand on her hip since the other one was preoccupied with the tray she bared. "It’s such an honor to meet you, Kaoru-sama." The waitress acknowledged Kaoru, and she gave the goddess a deep bow.
Kaoru returned the bow, and Okina smiled, and clasped his hands together as if making another plan.
"Well, let’s get the grills going!" he announced, and Okon groaned, knowing that the old man intended to party that night. "Let’s close early, and get this celebration started!"
Okina left through the back room where the waiters and waitresses apparently go through when the Aoiya was serving customers.
Okon turned to Kaoru and said, "You know, you coming here was only an excuse for Okina to party. Don’t worry about him; he really is a kind, gentle man. He loves his daughter, Misao, so much. It would kill him if anything happened to her."
"Hai." Kaoru responded, even though she did not know how to, but she could tell Okina was a good man.
"You know, you probably have a lot of people worshiping you, and it’s hard to remember who is who," Okon began, looking at Kaoru intently. "Yet, I wonder if you remember a little boy named Aoshi. You saved his life at one point."
"His name sounds so familiar," Kaoru responded. "I’m sure I’ll know him if I see him."
"I hope so. Aoshi loves you so much; he’d be disappointed if you’ve forgotten him. You know, at first glance, you really can’t tell you’re a goddess until you speak. Your voice is so soothing and relaxing to hear."
"Arigatou." Kaoru replied, smiling at the kindness of this mortal woman.
"Hey, Okon!" Okina called from the other side of the door. "Are you going to get cooking, or do we have to order take-out?"
Okon growled deep in her throat, and narrowed her beautiful eyes at the door.
"And I’ll need your soothing voice to handle this man."
She motioned for Kaoru to follow her into the backroom. When they entered, Kaoru saw a restaurant-like kitchen. It was huge and filled with pots, pans, and many other professional cooking utensils. There were many cupboards all around the kitchen that probably had food stored, and eating utensils for the customers.
Okon led Kaoru further from the kitchen to the dinning room. The dinning room was small, but not uncomfortably so, with a wooden table that looked like it could seat ten or more. It was another one of those old-fashion Japanese tables where one has to sit on cushions to eat off of it.
Okon turned to the right where there was a hallway with several closets, and down the hallway to a staircase. They went up the wooden staircase, and at the top, Kaoru saw a row of old-fashion Japanese, sliding doors. Counting eight doors, Kaoru continued to follow Okon down the hallway until they came to the last door; the eighth room.
Okon slid open the wooden door, and stepped aside for Kaoru to enter. The goddess did, and she looked around at the surroundings. There was a closet that had sliding doors, and was very much like the entrance to the room. The floor was tatami flooring, and in the corner was a rolled up futon with many blankets.
"I’m sure it’s not quite what you’re used to, Kaoru-sama, but we tried to fix it up as much as possible." Okon said as she watched Kaoru inspect her surroundings.
"It’s wonderful. Thank you to all of you." Kaoru exclaimed when she turned around to smile at the kind woman.
"You’re quite welcome." Okon responded, giving Kaoru a smile in return. "You’re free to come and go as you please, just don’t make yourself too noticed, you know?" Kaoru nodded in understanding. "When the others get here, we’ll introduce you to them. In the mean time, I’d better get to that dinner and get lots of sake unless I want Okina angry with me."
Kaoru smiled in response, and Okon closed the door to give the goddess some privacy.
When the mortal left, Kaoru fell to her knees, then sat on her legs in the old-fashion Japanese way, folded her hands together, bowed her head and prayed.
"Great Tengoku-sama, please hear your daughter. She is here in the mortals’ realm wondering what she should do to be tested. She humbly asks what she should do to earn your pride and trust during your assessment."
Kaoru awaited an answer or sign, and received nothing. Sighing in doubt, the princess got back to her feet, and went downstairs.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Narrowing his amber eyes at the restaurant, Kenshin crumpled up the piece of paper that he ripped out from the phone book.
So she was there, living amongst filthy mortals. The prince wondered how far this goddess would sink to a low level before she finally has enough, and demands to be brought back to heaven.
Kenshin assumed she would not even last a week, for she must have a high ego if she was the Princess of the Heavens.
The prince looked at the setting sun casting orange hues to the City of Sin, the one city he loved when it was in war back in the 1800s.
For Kenshin, that time was the best time of them all. No one gave a damn about other people and kindness was a thing of the past.
Cracking his neck, Kenshin studied the building, looking over each detail until it was engraved in his mind. After that, he turned and walked away to an area that was not too far, yet not too close to be detected.
When the sun was up, Tengoku, the head god, could see everything that was happening. Kenshin did not doubt that the old man would especially look after his daughter, so now was not the time to attack her and risk being exposed.
When the Hour of the Demon comes, however, he will attack the goddess in the dead of night, and he will have her head.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Okon, we’re home!" a man called to the kitchen, carrying several pounds of food.
"Seriously, was it necessary to send Lu #1 to contact us when it wasn’t an emergency?"
"Yes, Shiro, it was an emergency." Okon replied, giving the three people who entered a wave of her hand to tell them where to place the packages.
As soon as the three people place the packages down on the counter, Kaoru came down from her room, and looked at the three mortals in curiosity.
One girl saw her, and gasped, her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped. Upon hearing the girl gasp, Okon turned around and saw her looking at Kaoru in amazement.
"Oh, everyone," Okon said to get everybody’s attention to the young goddess standing between their dinning room and kitchen. "This is Kaoru-sama."
Once they heared her name, the three mortals bowed low before Kaoru. The goddess returned the bow, and Okon continued introducing them.
"This is Kuro."
Kaoru smiled at the lumbering giant, wondering how any mortal could grow so large.
"This is Shiro."
This man had black hair that was spiked forward, and bandana tied around his head.
"And this is Omasu."
Omasu was the girl who saw Kaoru, and she had black hair tied up in a bun.
"It’s very nice to meet all of you." Kaoru announced, breaking the growing silence.
"Would you like any help, Okon-san?"
Okon looked startled at the goddess’ request, and she numbly shook her head in a negative response.
"Oh, no, that’s alright." Okon sputtered, giving Omasu a clean spoon and she pointed to the stove. "Omasu is going to help me."
Kaoru sighed to herself and nodded, wondering about to the back door where she could hear the other people talking.
"That was her?" Kuro asked, his voice filled with amazement.
"That had to be! Did you see her kimono?" Shiro replied.
"She was beautiful, but… she didn’t look like a goddess—"
"—Until she spoke." Okon interrupted Omasu’s speech. "She has such a soft, Heavenly voice, correct?"
The other three mumbled in agreement, and Kaoru shrugged her shoulders, and left to the garden in the back.
As soon as she left outside, Kaoru accidentally bumped into a semi-smaller person. The girl she ran into had long black hair kept in a braid and the rest of her hair, preferably her
bangs, were cut short and spiked in different directions.
She had aquamarine eyes, and she wore a priestess uniform that looked like she was a mortal who worshiped Kaoru herself.
"Oh, I’m very sorry about that." Kaoru apologized, giving the girl a bow.
"That’s alright; Aoshi-sama and I were in a hurry anyway. Who are you?"
"Kaoru-sama…"
Both women looked behind them to see a man with short black hair, and ice-blue eyes. His eyes, while the rest of his face did not show emotion, were filled with amazement, wonder, and disbelief.
"Kaoru-sama?" the girl repeated, looking back at Kaoru.
Kaoru kept her eyes on Aoshi; her memory of years ago was dug up and placed back into her mind’s eye.
She knew that man; he was the little boy she saved. While looking at Aoshi, Kaoru’s mind saw a small, scared little boy standing next to him. He was the little boy who held on to her tightly when she spared his life.
Aoshi; that was what he said his name was when Kaoru inquired it all those years ago. He was the first mortal she had ever showed herself to.
"Aoshi…" Kaoru said, her eyes widening in amazement. "You’re the little boy…"
Aoshi nodded, walked over to Kaoru, and fell to his knees before her. The goddess also fell to her knees and she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You still look the same as you did back then." Aoshi commented as he wrapped his arms around his goddess also.
"The years have been a blessing to you, Aoshi of the Oniwanbanshuu." Kaoru replied, and then released the man to stare at his face. "Very blessed."
Aoshi nodded, and they both got to their feet and realized that during their greeting the girl Kaoru had bumped into was forgotten. She looked uncomfortably out of place, and she pretended to be more interested in her feet as she twisted them in the green grass.
"Misao, this is Kaoru-sama." Aoshi informed.
The girl, Misao, nodded towards Kaoru and said, "I figured that."
The way Misao looked at her made Kaoru suspicious of her feelings for the man she rescued. It was a mixture of amazement, wonder, and yet a tinge of jealousy.
"You are truly as Aoshi-sama has described you, Kaoru-sama." Misao complemented with a forced smile.
"Arigatou." Kaoru replied, feeling sympathy for the poor girl. "Okina said we’re having a party tonight."
When the goddess said Okina’s name, Misao’s face brightened up into a true smile.
"That’s just like Jiya to use you coming here as an excuse to party!" Misao said with a chuckle and she turned to enter the Aoiya.
The party was an interesting one for Kaoru. She had never tasted mortal food before, and it was wonderful. The sake was especially wonderful when it was warm.
Curious questions were constantly being asked of Kaoru, such as what was it like to be a goddess, and what kind of food does the gods eat.
Kaoru answered the questions the best she could, but explaining it to mortals proved to be quite difficult. They asked what gods’ food taste like, and what heaven looks like.
Kaoru could not explain either of these things to their satisfaction, and they soon gave up trying to get more answers out of her.
Kaoru took a great liking to Misao, the bubbly girl that was the main source of the questions being asked. Unlike Tomoe, Misao was a girl that was very much like herself; like she was a long-lost twin.
Misao and Kaoru bonded to a certain level due to personality similarities. For this, the goddess was very grateful; she at least had a mortal friend on earth.
After the party, Kaoru retired to the garden, having her offer to help once again rejected, and the others cleaned up.
The garden behind the Aoiya was not like the gardens Kaoru was use to, but it did have its similarities. There was one cherry blossom tree that still had sakura petals hanging on it. The grass was a perfect green, and at the far end of the white fence that surrounded it, were rose bushes.
The roses were pure white and innocent, most were fully bloomed, and the branches seemed to bow to Kaoru.
She went over to the roses and gently touched their milky-soft petals; the sweet smell reached her nose, and she breathed in the aroma.
"Having a fun time, ‘Kagome?’" a cold voice inquired from the other side of the fence.
As soon as the voice finished the statement, the last rays the sun vanished, and the Time of the Demon entered the mortal realm.
Kaoru jumped and looked to her left; the man she saw earlier in the day was standing there. Though it was quickly growing dark, his amber eyes burned in the twilight like fire. The goddess froze before the being before her.
"W-Who are you?" Kaoru choked, her arm ever so slowly moving to the weapon hidden in her kimono.
The being looked demonic in the lasting grip of light, his skin, unlike most demons, was perfect and unmarred with scars.
"You don’t need to know." He answered as he unsheathed the sword by his side.
"Princess of the Heavens, I have come for your head."
To Be Continued…