Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Shadows ❯ preparations, part 2 ( Chapter 24 )

Shadows

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chapter 14

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preparations, part 2

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Once again, Kikyou found himself standing in front of the picture of King Shuuichi's first wedding, even though he had a million important things that needed to be done. But he'd felt almost compelled to come here when he'd decided to take a short break. The corridor was so quiet and traffic-free that he could understand why the king usually retreated here when things got to be too much. Some of the portraits were fairly amusing on top of that, and all of them displayed the vast talent of their respective artists. However, Kikyou didn't bother to spare the others much more than a glance. Not when this one painting drew his attention so strongly.

Arashi Fujimiya was half cloaked in shadows, her light auburn hair falling down onto her face. But her beauty still shone through the attempts to hide it, and Kikyou was caught by the cool look of reserve in her slanted gray eyes. Arashi appeared to be watching the world through a veil, completely separate from reality. If it weren't for the pale fingers entwined with the hand that rested on her hip, one would almost think her without feeling. But he'd heard the stories about how much she'd loved Lord Fujimiya and could see that in the way they held hands and leaned against each other.

Laughing at himself, Kikyou shook his head at his fancy. Here he was obsessing over a woman who'd been dead for over a decade. Besides, he didn't need any new obsessions at this point, not when he already had two consuming all of his time: the quest to bring his beloved sister's murderers to justice and winning over Aya. No, he was quite busy enough with making those two things happen to pick up someone else to fixate on.

Kikyou thought about the status of his two obsessions. Once Manx was married and he was officially the new Captain, he'd be that much closer to getting the revenge he'd sought these last eight years. The men who had raped and murdered Hitomi would finally pay, along with Kikyou's brother who had stood by and done nothing after their sister's death. The man hadn't seen any point in wasting energy on a mere dead girl, one considered too odd to have had much hope of making an advantageous marriage for their family. Especially when all the evidence pointed at other highborns being her killers. Kikyou had been the only one to care and had turned his back on his cold family, never once regretting what he'd abandoned years earlier. Now he finally had some hope that his sacrifices wouldn't have been for nothing, and his sister's soul would rest in peace.

Too bad things didn't look quite so good on the Aya front. Shaking his head, Kikyou smiled ruefully for a moment. The wedding was tomorrow, and he hadn't heard a word from Aya. He guessed that the man really wasn't going to accept his invitation. Then again, Aya had looked so pale and worn when he'd stopped by with the present. He didn't doubt for one moment that the redhead was unwell. Kikyou sternly told himself to keep that thought in mind and not give up hope. He'd win Aya over yet.

Perhaps he should try a new tactic. Expensive presents were clearly not the way to Aya's heart, judging from the lack of response he'd received for his troubles. Also, he didn't seem very welcome at the Koneko anymore, which was understandable as he was trying to steal away the owner's lover, but that left Kikyou in a bit of a bind. How should he go about wooing Aya now?

Sighing, he decided to concentrate on the problem after the wedding. He had more than enough things distracting him presently, and the last thing he needed was to worry about his romantic life. Kikyou glanced back at the picture hanging before him and smiled enviously at the two happy couples pictured there, even if he did know how unfortunate their fates were.

He looked at the Fujimiyas, his eyes drawn to Arashi yet again. She had been a lovely woman, possessing an air about her that drew one's attention. Ranmura Fujimiya had been a lucky man to find her, even if he had sacrificed even more than Kikyou. To go from being one of the highest ranked lords at Court to being an exiled prince's seneschal….

Now there was no one at Court to represent the Fujimiya clan and titles, no one wearing purple and silver to sit close to the king at Court functions…. His brows furrowing, Kikyou leaned closer to the picture. Purple and silver…. For a moment the deep royal purple faded to a lilac color, much like the ribbon he'd selected to wrap Aya's gifts….

Taking a deep breath, Kikyou's eyes shifted over to Arashi's portrait. He once again noticed her slim shape, making her appear shorter than she'd really been. As he stared, her auburn hair darkened to a deep crimson, and her gray eyes turned the color of amethysts. Aya. It was Aya she'd reminded him of; that was the reason he'd been drawn back to this picture. Arashi was a feminine version of Aya.

Wracking his brains, Kikyou tried to recall all he knew about the woman. She'd been an orphan, left at a country temple when only a day or two old. There had been no trace of her real family, which was what had appalled the Court so much about Ranmura taking her as a wife. There was no way of telling what her bloodlines were, or if she had any bound blood in her or not.

She'd been a gardener of some note and had spent her days in the gardens of whatever estate Ranmura lived at during their marriage. First the castle near the royal palace, and then the mansion he'd bought after they'd been snubbed by the court for almost a whole year. Arashi had kept to herself, never attending any Court functions other then King Shuuichi's first marriage. She'd born her husband two children, first a son who….

"Who everyone noted looked just like her, except with redder hair and unusual purple eyes. I remember my parents talking about the gossip at Court when the child was brought forward for his naming ceremony." He and his sister had been around ten years old then, and he remembered Hitomi asking if she could play with the baby because he sounded so pretty.

"But she was strictly told no, and cried for days just because of that. Mother said the child was too odd looking, too pale and had such unusual coloring, and Father had commented about what a shame it was the boy took after his mother so strongly. If he'd taken after his father, there would have been some hope of the boy being accepted, but not when he took after an unknown bloodline. Now what was the boy's name?"

It hadn't been Aya that was certain. Turning away from the picture, Kikyou started down the hallway to his office, his pace brisk. Tsubaki would be able to find out the child's name for him, and everything he could about the Fujimiyas. Perhaps the man would be able to uncover why there was a young man who looked so much like a woman who was now dead, along with her family.

Maybe the stress of his new position was getting to him, but the more Kikyou thought about things, the more he was willing to bet that the mysterious Aya was somehow connected to the deceased Fujimiyas. Perhaps he was part of Arashi's long missing family, or even more improbably, he was her son who had been assumed dead these past years. If he was….

Questions sprang up in Kikyou's mind. If he was a Fujimiya, why was he hiding at the Koneko? Where had he been the past ten or so years? How had he escaped the fate that had befallen his family? What had happened to him?

He had no clue as to what the answers would be, but Kikyou hoped that when Tsubaki uncovered them, he would have a better understanding of who Aya was. Why he was so clearly hiding from someone and why he had allowed himself to be abused. For a moment Kikyou remembered kissing Aya, the memory of how sweet he had tasted clashing with how the man had trembled at his touch, appearing almost fearful of him. Kikyou didn't think that Tsubaki would uncover anything very pleasant, but he'd set the man on Aya's trail anyway. He wanted the answers too much to be put off by some unpleasantness.

And when he had those answers, he'd be that much closer to having Aya as well.

*******

Omi looked down at the two gold bands that Botan held out to him. He glanced back up at the exhausted wizard with a hopeful smile on his face.

"These are my new weapons? Are they anything like Yohji's?"

Botan grunted and dropped the bracelets into Omi's hands. "Yes, they are. I did a little investigating in the Armory the other day and found several weapons left over from the Binding War. They'd been stored away as relics and were rather difficult to find, but I managed, and then I modified their spells."

"So… what do they do?"

Grumbling, Botan sat down behind his desk and poured himself a fresh cup of coffee. "Put the one with the carvings on your left wrist, and the plain one on your right."

Doing as he was told, Omi slipped the plain band on his right wrist first then the other on his left. Immediately after the bracelets were on his arms there were flashes of pain from his wrists, especially his left one.

"Ow! What's going on, Botan?"

"Now you're finding out part of the reason why those things were collecting dust. The bracelets were designed for bounds and wizards." When Omi glared at the older man, Botan held up his hand in a placating matter. "I know, you're not a wizard, you told me several times when I tried to train you and see if you had any gift, but there's magic in your bloodline. Your uncle and cousin are both wizards, so you should have enough magic in you to activate the weapons.

"Anyway, the weapons bind to their users, which is why you felt the initial pain. From now on you have two weapons that can never be taken from you, short of your death."

Omi looked at his adorned wrists, which still ached the slightest bit. "But what do they do?"

Botan looked at him in confusion for a moment and smacked his forehead. Omi told himself to stop by Cassandra's on his way to the Koneko that evening and make sure the woman knew her lover needed to be forced to take a break before he collapsed.

"Sorry, it's been a long couple of days and my brains are just short of turning into mush." Botan made a face that Omi couldn't help but smile at. "Try to picture a knife or a throwing dart in your left hand."

Doing as he was told, Omi thought of the throwing knives he had a talent for, of the small, sharp blades that he could make hit almost anything. There was another flash of pain; this time more of a dull ache, and then a reddish-gold blade was in the palm of his left hand. He let out a startled breath.

"How…"

"Now throw it."

Swallowing his question, Omi tossed the blade across the room at a painting that he'd always hated. The knife hit its mark perfectly, which was a brown eye set in a wrinkled, scowling face.

"Now mentally will it to return to you."

Despite the oddness of the request, Omi wished for the blade to return to his hand, and as soon as he made the thought it pulled out of the picture and returned to his right hand. Gasping as he caught the blade, he smiled when the knife jumped to his left wrist, becoming part of the bracelet once again.

"Botan! That's amazing! How does it do that?"

"Magic, you idiot." Botan grinned at Omi over his coffee cup. "You can create several dozen knives or darts, depending on their size, or several large ones. But a word of warning; the spell is partially fueled by your blood, which is why no one's been interested in using them for the last couple centuries. Be careful about creating too many weapons at a time, or you could weaken yourself. They really are intended for bounds who can survive the blood loss better than a human."

Nodding his head in understanding, Omi gazed down at his right wrist. "What does this one do?"

"Think of a crossbow," Botan wearily replied as he propped an elbow up on his desk.

Picturing his favorite weapon in his mind, Omi gasped again when the gold flowed into the shape of a crossbow, with his forearm serving as a stock. There was no pain this time, and he waited to see if a bolt would be formed as well. A pain from his left wrist had him looking down at the bolt that suddenly appeared in his left hand. He placed it on the bow, sighted the painting again, and crowed as the bolt was buried in Maxwell's, his grandfather's Royal wizard, right eye.

"Yes, I see you weren't a fan of the man either. Now I guess I finally have a decent excuse to take that portrait down," Botan commented dryly.

Omi stuck his tongue out at the portrait before mentally recalling the bolt. Then he willed the bow and arrow to fade back into bracelets, and after running his hands over the shining gold leapt over to Botan's desk and hugged the man as he squealed in excitement.

"I'm glad you like them, but stop choking me!" Botan sputtered. Omi apologized as he loosened his hold, planting a wet kiss on Botan's cheek before pulling away to sit on the desk.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! They're perfect! Now I'll be able to make sure that Nagi, Aya and the others are safe. You're wonderful, Botan."

Botan smiled, the exhaustion dropping from his face momentarily. "I'm glad you think so, and that you like the weapons. I wanted to give them to you now so you had a little time to practice with them. I also have a pair of bracelets for Schuldig and Crawford, much like the one on your left wrist, since they both have some skill at knife-throwing, or so they say."

About to ask about Jei, Omi suddenly remembered how the one-eyed man had acted in the attic the night of the spell, and the way he avoided Botan whenever the wizard visited the Koneko. Nagi had told him something about the man hating any and all wizards, and he was inclined to believe that. Jei probably wouldn't appreciate any gift given to him by Botan. What a shame. But at least he had something, and Schu too, that would help them fight. Crawford… personally, Omi couldn't care less about the cold man. He didn't like the way the black-haired man would stare at him during meals, as if he was some object that Crawford was trying to gauge the value of. It gave him the creeps.

Then the realization of what Omi was going to use the weapons for finally sunk in. In another day's time, he would be fighting for his life and those of the people he cared for. People he loved might very well be killed, and he himself could die. Staring at the gold bands around his wrists, Omi felt some of his happiness fade. He was going to kill people with Botan's gift, and some of them would be his own flesh and blood.

"Botan… if you don't mind I'm going to go practice with these right now. Will I see you down at the Koneko later?" He looked away from the weapons to gaze at his friend.

Who, from the looks of it, had been watching him these past few moments. Botan smiled sadly at him and shook his head. "I don't think so. Crawford has informed me of all I need to know, and I have preparations to make. The choice comes down to either stopping at the Koneko for a couple drinks or a little sleep, and I'm going with sleep."

Nodding his head to show that he understood, Omi hopped off the desk. He hugged his friend tightly once more, holding on for several moments when Botan started to pat him on the back.

"Get some rest, Botan. You really look like you could use it. I want you to be in top form for the wedding, since… I don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to lose you either, Omi." Botan hugged him back just as tightly then let him go. "Don't worry, I'll get some rest. Now that your weapons are completed and Aya's sister is safe, all I have to do is work on some wards and prepare some spells for the battle."

"Good. I'll stop by tomorrow morning to see if you need any help with those." Omi smiled at Botan and left the room, occasionally gazing down at his new weapons. He'd go to the Koneko and pick up Nagi, then find a secluded place to practice his aim. It was suddenly very important that he spend as much time with his lover as possible.

*******

Ken sighed wearily as he walked into the kitchen, dressed for a night at the Koneko. Yuriko looked up from her dress at his entrance, the smile on her face fading as she noticed him wearing boots and the pouch at his belt.

"You're going out tonight? I thought you'd be staying in and resting up for tomorrow."

"I'm sorry, sweetie, but I promised a few of the Guards that I'd stop by the Koneko tonight." Even to his own ears Ken's voice sounded emotionless, the term of endearment coming out flat. He shivered minutely and hugged his arms around his chest, wishing the chill would just go away. A few shots of whiskey helped to warm him up, for a short while at least, but nothing else did. Not even the sight of the woman he loved.

Looking back down at her dress, which she was desperate to finish, Yuriko frowned. "All right, I guess. I could use some peace and quiet to finish the dress, but please, don't be out too late tonight. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

Nodding his head, Ken stepped closer to his lover. He could still feel the emotions he felt for Yuriko, but… it was like they were just out of his reach. Bending down, he placed a kiss on Yuriko's cheek. The gesture of affection startled the young woman, as it was the first kiss she'd received that day.

"Be careful, Ken-kun. You've been worrying me lately."

"I know, Yuriko." Ken closed his eyes for a moment and sniffed his girlfriend's hair, drinking in the scent of chamomile that he adored. "It'll get better soon, I'm… I'm just worried about tomorrow."

She reached up to squeeze his hand before pushing him away gently. "I know, love, and that's why I haven't said much." Yuriko looked relieved for a moment. "Although, I was beginning to worry that you were getting sick or something."

No, he was just missing a portion of his soul, something he'd willingly sacrificed. And he had to fight wizards and mercenaries tomorrow. Alongside his fellow Guards, some of whom were still acting suspiciously and - if he wasn't being a bit paranoid - were keeping an eye on him. The only good thing about missing a part of his soul was none of these facts really mattered to Ken at the moment. If he'd been whole, he'd most likely be a jittery bundle of nerves by now. Especially since he hadn't been able to talk Yuriko into staying home tomorrow. He hadn't been able to tell her the real reason he didn't want her to attend the party, and so had failed to come up with a convincing argument. But his fear for his lover was buried underneath the chill.

"I promise I'll be back to myself in another day or two. I'm going now, but I won't be too late. As you said, it's going to be a long day tomorrow."

*******

Schoen smiled at the man who was holding the door open for her, tossing her golden hair back over her shoulder as she stepped into the Koneko. The smile grew brighter as several appreciative looks and even a few whistles were sent her way. She knew she looked good in a pair of tight breeches and in one of Masafumi's shirts, left unlaced enough to show off some of her better assets. While the attention was always welcome, she had dressed provocatively tonight so that if anyone did remember her visit here, it wouldn't be her face they'd be describing.

Walking into the crowded main room, she searched the corners as Hell had instructed her to do. It took a few minutes of meandering through the throng of people until she could manage a clear view, but she eventually found the kage's servant sitting at a table tucked out of the way, along with a boy his age, both of the Esset agents and….

Her hands clenched into fists as her eyes lingered on Yohji Kudoh. For a moment she almost gave in to the impulse to pull off the leather whip that was wrapped around her waist like a belt and coil it around the bastard's neck. Because of the Guard, Neu was dead and lost to them forever. Her family would always have a gaping hole in it; Neu's place was empty and caused them pain to this day.

However, Masafumi and his father would hurt her, and possibly Hell and Tot as well, to make her suffer even more, as the order had come down that Kudoh was to be left alone until after the wedding, since one of the first things Masafumi planned to do is to order the murdering bastard's arrest. When that happened Schoen and her sisters could make the man suffer as long as they wished, putting to use the skills they'd honed on the kage these past years. Only when the bastard was a completely broken, pitiful creature would they then kill him. His soul, however, would suffer torments similar to the ones that the kage's sister did for as long as they lived.

Schoen leaned against the wall, staring at the table as she waved aside several offers of a free drink. It took a few minutes, but eventually the boy looked her way, at first his eyes drifting past her before snapping back. She swore she caught a flash of anger before his face became impassive. He leaned to whisper something into the ear of the boy sitting next to him, who turned to look at her briefly before returning to the discussion he was having with Kudoh. Schoen noticed that another man at the table, sporting long, reddish hair, glanced her way as well before leaning against the man sitting beside him.

Watching as Nagi stood up and cautiously approached her, Schoen jerked her head towards one of the exits. The two of them walked into a dark, quiet hall. The boy spoke in a soft, but furious tone of voice.

"What do you want?"

Someone was forgetting his place. Schoen lashed out with her right hand, smacking the boy across the mouth. He rubbed his bruised lips and glared at her, but didn't retaliate in any manner. Ah, he hadn't forgotten that much, it seemed. She and Tot had done a good job of educating the brat on the topic of manners before the kage had stepped in and forbidden any damage to his servant.

"I need to talk to your master," she said, sneering at the last word. "Take me to him."

Nagi stared at her for a second before dropping his chin to his chest. "He's in the bath right now, but I can fetch him for you. Go out to the garden and I'll bring him along in a minute."

Studying the boy for a moment, Schoen didn't find any suspicious emotions in his voice or on his face. She nodded her head and started for the garden. Stepping out in the fragrant yard, she took a deep breath and immediately wandered over to some rose bushes that climbed up the inn's brick walls. Schoen started to pick some of the blossoms, intent on taking them back with her to the palace, and giving her something to do while she waited for the kage.

A couple minutes later she heard the sound of a throat being cleared. Spinning around fast enough that she dropped a few roses, Schoen found the kage staring at her, dressed in a pair of black pants and a green shirt that was too big for him. He looked paler than usual and thinner than she'd last seen him over a week ago. But he seemed to be healed from the bloodletting and the beating he'd taken, something that Hirofumi had been worried about these past few days. Schoen had never seen the kage hurt that badly before, but she didn't feel any sympathy for the sneaky bastard.

"You know you're not supposed to sneak up on us," she snapped. The kage stared impassively at her, his eyes reflecting the moonlight and rendering them unreadable. She'd always hated it when his eyes went silver like that, reminding her of how inhuman the man truly was. It was times like these that she recalled the legends of his kind, of their destructive powers and vindictive natures, and she hated the trill of fear that always accompanied those thoughts.

The kage bent his head in the direction of a large oak tree, some distance from the inn. "We'll talk over there." Not bothering to wait for her reply, he walked over to the huge tree with the servant boy trailing in his wake. Deciding that the boy wasn't the only one who was forgetting his place, Schoen gritted her teeth and followed. The kage certainly wouldn't be acting like this if he was tied up and she had her whip or a knife in hand. Maybe she should ask Masafumi to let her and her sisters play with the demon after the wedding. He needed to be reminded of his place, and she would feel better once the lesson was over. Besides, he made her nervous when he acted like this, as if he had a will of his own and a spine to back it up.

Once they were by the tree she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the young men. "The wedding is tomorrow night."

The kage didn't say anything, just stared back at her with those odd eyes of his. Schoen swore he knew how much the sight of them unnerved her and did it on purpose. She wished she could whip him, make him fall down to the ground in pain and not look at her, but had been ordered not to damage the demon. They needed him whole for tomorrow night.

"Say something."

"I am aware of that fact. I will be there."

Gritting her teeth together, Schoen stepped closer to the kage and slapped his face, much like she had the boy. For a moment it looked as if Nagi was going to step closer to her, and the kage's eyes glowed brightly enough to rival the moon, but the two young men remained still and merely stared back at her. Blowing her hair out of her eyes, Schoen slapped the redhead again.

"Don't get smart with me, Ran. Masafumi or Hell might not be here right now, but you know you have to listen to me. I've been told to inform you that you are to strike after the toast Prince Reiji gives at the reception tomorrow. Kill the king, his bride and the crown prince. Your orders are to make sure none of them survive, and to take out as many of the Guards as you possibly can." Schoen rubbed her sore palm along her dark brown breeches.

The kage licked at the drop of blood that had formed on his split lip and gazed back at her. "I thought I was only to kill the king and his bride, and the boy if it was possible."

"You don't think, Ran, you merely do as you're told." Schoen almost smacked him again for the question, but her hand hurt too much from the previous blows, her rings having bitten into her fingers. "If you don't, your sister will suffer for your disobedience."

He immediately bowed his head, nodding slightly. Now that the unnerving eyes were no longer staring at her, Schoen felt better, more in control. She sniffed and shifted the roses in her left hand to her right.

"That's what I came to tell you. Remember, they die after the toast. After you do as much damage as you can to the Guards, you're to hide yourself and remain by the central fireplace until someone gives you new orders." Her mission completed, Schoen glared at the young men then looked about the garden. Spotting one of its gates, she left from the private exit and hurried down the street. She had a few other tasks to complete tonight, and then she wanted to spend as much time with Masafumi and the others as she could. Things would be very busy in the upcoming weeks, and Schoen wanted a bit of pleasure to tide her over until they calmed down.

*******

Reiichi smelled brimstone as soon as he walked into the apartment and immediately hurried to Naru's room. The little idiot, he knew he wasn't supposed to make bombs alone. Someone needed to be there to put out all the fires….

He reached the younger man's room and cautiously pushed open the door. The short Guard was sitting on an old singed blanket that rested on the floor, and there were a few smoking spots. Buckets of water were scattered all around him.

Seeing the newly formed orange stone in the idiot's hand, Reiichi took a deep breath and, as calmly as he could, screamed at Naru.

"Naru! What the hell are you thinking? The last thing we need right now is for you to burn down this wing of the palace!!"

Even though he rarely lost his temper, and even more rarely showed it when it happened, Naru only smiled at Reiichi as he tossed the stone from hand to hand. Reiichi winced and felt the sudden urge to sit down on Naru's bed. The boy was a suicidal idiot. Add homicidal to that as well, since the damage from one of his bombs could take out more than just him.

"Don't worry Reiichi, I'm almost done. I've already created about two dozen, and I only have the energy left for a couple more." Naru smiled again, and this time Reiichi noticed the lines of exhaustion on his roommate's face. Sighing, he reached down and snatched the glassy, orange stone then held it up to the light.

"It looks a little smaller than your usual ones."

Naru nodded his head, his chest puffing out in pride. "They are. I know you and Yuushi would give me hell if I damage too much of the ballroom, so I made them a little weaker than usual. That way I can make more of them. They should come in handy during the battle."

Then Naru fell silent as he picked up a plain quartz stone that rested in a small pile by his left side. Reiichi didn't say anything as his friend first rubbed his cut finger over the stone, smearing it with a few drops of blood, and then stared at it for several minutes, sweat dripping down his face. Feeling the room grow hot, Reiichi started to slide closer to one of the buckets of water. There was a sudden swooshing of air and when he glanced back at Naru, the young man held an orange stone in his hand.

"I've said this before and I'll say it again. You're wasted in the Guards, Naru."

That comment earned Reiichi another tired smile. "You know I never would have made it very far as a wizard. My family didn't have enough money to pay for my education and I didn't have enough talent to attract the attention of a sponsor. Besides, all I ever wanted to be was a Guard. I don't regret the way things have turned out, not when I have the job I always wanted and a few perks that most people don't have." Naru tossed the glowing stone into a pouch and picked up another white one.

"Oh, you enjoy being bait for all the pedophiles and sharks out there?" Reiichi couldn't resist posing that question. He had to chuckle when Naru looked up from the stone to glare at him.

"Don't be so stupid, Reiichi," the young man snapped. Then he grinned evilly. "Though I must admit, there is some satisfaction in dropping one of these…" he tossed the stone in the air and caught it, "…down the pants of some sick bastard who's just hurt a child. But as important as it is to get those predators off the street, I… I just wish I could do something that a bunch of other Guards couldn't do too."

As Naru concentrated on making the last of his bombs, Reiichi sighed and leaned back onto the bed. Despite what he'd said, Naru had had the chance to spend more than a couple seasons in a wizarding school, though he was right about the lack of funds and sponsors. He would never have held that high of a position, but he would've had an easier life than that of a Guard, and one who received little respect because of his youthful looks at that. Why couldn't Manx see what she was wasting here? Sometimes Reiichi thought that she was fooled by Naru's youthful appearance and immature air into thinking he was less mature than he really was. He thought that maybe she was trying to protect his friend, but that attitude hadn't done Naru any favors. Instead it just left the young man frustrated as all hell, and he'd have to blow off some steam with some stupid stunt or another, usually involving the few spells he knew.

Now because of the woman's negligence, sweet, funny Naru would be using those spells for something other than blowing up topiary hedges and pots of stew. He'd be using them to kill and be risking his life as he did so. Many Guards would be doing the same, putting their lives on the line and expecting nothing in recompense for that sacrifice.

For a moment Reiichi fervently prayed to the gods that he would survive the upcoming battle, as well as Manx, just so he could rub in her face the things she had missed or overlooked during her tenure as Captain. He had liked the woman when she had first taken over the position, and had thought her a good choice. But it soon became clear afterwards that she couldn't make the sacrifices that she needed to, or risk the Guards' lives, as she should. She thought of them all as her wards, and they were not children. Too many people had forgotten that above everything else, the Guards had been formed to serve and to protect, to be the best fighters the reigning sovereign had on hand. Well, tomorrow night everyone at the wedding would be reminded of that.

"See, Reiichi, I'm all done and there are no fires to put out to speak of," Naru crowed as he tried to unobtrusively smother a smoking portion of blanket to his left.

Smiling, Reiichi nodded his head. "So I see. Why don't I make us some dinner to celebrate this momentous occasion, since I know you must be very tired after all that magic. How does baked chicken sound?"

"Oh! Wonderful, Reiichi! And can you make mashed sweet potatoes too?" Naru yelped in joy when he nodded his head. For a moment all Reiichi could see was a happy youth, appearing way too young to be a Guard, but there was a look of weariness and maturity to Naru's eyes that was lacking in some people decades older than the young man. Naru was a Guard, after all. He'd made more than his share of sacrifices for that position.

Reiichi got to his feet and headed for the kitchen. He'd need to make a lot of food, because chances were good that Liss and Miko would attend dinner to go over some last few details before tomorrow. Other Guards might stop by as well, and all of them would need their strength for the upcoming battle. He was determined to see that they were well fed at the least, and that he and his comrades would enjoy one good, last meal together.

*******

Yohji watched as Nagi left the room, following the attractive blond he wanted to tear apart with his bare hands. Unfortunately, Aya had told him to remain seated, and Schuldig and Crawford were leaning rather heavily on him, trapping him in place to ensure he did as his lover had asked.

"Explain to me again why I can't kill the bitch," he snarled at the table.

Crawford leaned away from him and adjusted his glasses. "Because I foresee no danger to Aya this time. As long as the woman doesn't try to make him leave the Koneko, all should be well. In all probability, she's here to issue some instructions for tomorrow and will soon leave. To harm her in any way will jeopardize things, which we don't want at the moment. Even Aya agrees with that."

Yeah, well Aya was the one who willingly went to his own torture last time, Yohji thought darkly. For an instant he almost turned to Schuldig and demanded to know if Aya had indeed issued the order for him to remain here, but thought better of it before he started speaking. He'd just hurt Schu, and he was positive that the man wouldn't risk their friendship again in that way. No, he'd just have to sit here and wait, on pins and needles the whole time, while Aya spoke to the bitch.

Growling under his breath, he grabbed a pint of beer and drained it in one long gulp. As he wiped his face a young girl, looking about Omi's age, sidled up to the table. Yohji opened his mouth to tell her she had no business being in a crowded inn all by herself, but she solemnly looked him in the face before sliding a piece of paper into his hand, and then hurried out of the common room. Watching her long enough to make sure that she safely left the room, only then did Yohji open the note and read it.

`One of Takatoris' agents has been seen entering the Koneko. Look for a blond woman in a white shirt and brown pants.'

Schuldig read the note over Yohji's shoulder and snorted. "Well, at least Birman kept her promise, although a lot of good it does you to be alerted to the situation after the fact."

"I'm sure Birman's doing the best she can right now," Omi snapped, making everyone seated at the table look at him in wonder. His voice had been tight, breaking on a syllable or two, and Yohji could smell the nervousness and fear that radiated from him. He then thought about Nagi, who had left to speak with the woman and would remain by Aya's side to watch over him, and shook his head. Yohji offered the boy a sympathetic smile, and Omi shyly smiled back. Guess they had loving idiots who enjoyed placing themselves in danger as a common bond.

`Take it easy, Schu, or you'll have a royal order of execution leveled at you.'

<Right, as if I'm about to let my head be removed from my body.> Schuldig tossed his hair over his shoulder and quietly apologized to Omi. <Are you sensing anything from Aya?>

`No, just nervousness.'

Crawford suddenly cleared his throat. "If you don't mind, I'd like to finish the discussion." When he had everyone's attention, or at least as much attention as Yohji and Omi could spare him, he continued.

"Yohji, you have no doubts about your ability to take out Hirofumi and Reiji Takatori? The older man is a wizard and will pose a difficult target, even if you are now immune to magic."

"I'll handle them, Crawford." There was no way he was going to let anyone else kill the men, especially Hirofumi. Yohji bared his teeth as he thought of the bastard. Hirofumi was his to make suffer and eventually kill.

"Are you sure? What about Aya while you're handling those two?"

Yohji frowned as he thought about that for a moment, torn between gaining revenge for his mate and making sure Aya was safe. Fortunately Jei came to his rescue.

"Nagi said he'd have Aya's back tomorrow, and I wouldn't want to be the one to tell him otherwise." Jei chuckled for a moment and glanced at Omi. "He asked me to watch yours, and I told him I would." Omi's blue eyes went wide at that bit of news.

"Very well." Crawford's eyes became unfocused for a minute then he nodded his head. "I think… yes, it should work. Though I believe you watching Omi will not impact you taking care of the other two wizards, and the three women."

Jei suddenly smiled, pulling back his lips to reveal all of his fangs. In an instant he went from looking like a nice, if a bit tattered and scarred, young man into a figure from the darkest of nightmares. Yohji nervously shifted away from the man, trying to put some more distance between them, and Schuldig did the same. Chuckling in a manner that made Yohji's mouth suddenly go dry, Jei's single eye started to glow maniacally in the candlelight. He nodded his head and thankfully covered his teeth after a minute, but had pulled a knife out from somewhere and started to stare at it, twisting it about as he mumbled under his breath.

Seriously creeped out, Yohji shuddered and ran his hands through his hair. Then he suddenly felt a stab of pain, and then another, and the next thing he knew he was being shoved back into his seat.

"Let go of me, you bastards. She's hurting him!"

Schuldig immediately let go of Yohji's shoulder, but before he could stand again Crawford punched him in his stomach, the man having used most of his bound strength in the blow. The wind abruptly left Yohji, and he slumped over the table as he weakly snarled death threats at the black-haired man.

"Kudoh, I told you not to interfere. I foresee no major injury to Aya, and the woman can't harm him, not on the eve of the wedding. They need him to be in good shape for tomorrow." Crawford awkwardly patted him on the shoulder, and Yohji almost tore a page from Aya's book and sank his teeth into the man's hand. The fucking prick… but he didn't feel any more pain from Aya, so he just snarled again and glared at the precog.

Ignoring him in favor of looking over at Schuldig. Crawford's manner was completely business-like once again after that spate of violence. "You're to take out Lord Eto, if possible, and to kill as many of his mercenaries as you can." He looked over at Masato for a moment. "Do either of you have a problem with that?"

"Nah, we should be able to manage that."

"What about me?" Ken's voice was weary, but he was showing a bit more life than when he'd first entered the Koneko. Yohji gazed worriedly at his friend, unused to seeing the man so quiet and subdued. It seemed unnatural for Ken Hidaka to sit quietly in a chair and not break out in an attack of the fidgets after ten minutes.

"You'll also be needed to fight the mercenaries and to keep an eye on Omi if Jei is distracted by his targets. I'll be helping with the mercenaries as well." Crawford fell silent again, and after several seconds shook his whole body as if emerging through a body of cold water. "I… dammit, there's still so much I can't see, and neither can Cass. We know there will be some danger other than the mercs, maybe a spell of Yoru or Masafumi's, so be on guard and save your strength. But there will also be some unexpected help, so don't panic if things look bleak."

"No, why should we panic? Three mad wizards, some women hopped up on Aya's blood, and a couple hundred mercs out for our blood. Hell, I'm bored with this already. When does the real fun start?"

Everyone blinked at Ken, who had just uttered comments sarcastically enough to make Schuldig proud. Even worse was the calm tone of voice that the Guard had spoken in. Yohji suddenly thought that if Ken couldn't feel the full impact of his emotions, that he probably also wasn't feeling as worried or panicked as he should be. That might be a disadvantage during the fight, if the man didn't have the common sense to back away when he should. Ken tended to lose himself at the best of times, what would the loss of part of his soul do to him? Yohji swore to himself to keep an eye on his former partner. He didn't want to have to tell Yuriko that Ken had died.

"Bravo, Kenken, I couldn't have said it better myself," Schuldig commented once he found his voice. Omi leaned over and asked Ken if he was all right, and Jei smiled at the Guard in approval. Glancing aside at Crawford, Yohji found him looking at Ken with something that appeared suspiciously like sympathy. Then the precog's face became impassive once again.

Unsure if he'd just imagined things or not, Yohji reached for more beer, pouring himself another pint and draining the glass in a matter of seconds. When he put the glass back down on the table he looked up at the ceiling above him and frowned. Rising from his seat, this time not impeded by either of the men beside him, he quickly stepped away from the bench.

"Aya's gone to our room." He didn't know why he was sure about that, but Yohji knew he'd find Aya up in their bedroom, waiting for him. Looking back at his friends, he frowned as one hand played threateningly with his bracelet. If Crawford thought to sucker punch him again, the man would have to fight tomorrow without the benefit of hands.

"Anything else I need to know about tomorrow?"

"Nothing that can't be discussed before we leave. Until tomorrow." Crawford nodded at Yohji and turned towards Schuldig, quizzing him and Ken about what the ballroom looked like and what it would be like to fight there. Omi hurried to his feet too, and fell in step behind Yohji as he left the room. The teen got left behind when Yohji reached the steps and put his bound speed to use.

Entering his room a few seconds later, he found Aya sitting on the bed, a damp cloth pressed against his face. Nagi sat beside him, also with a damp cloth against his cheek. The two of them sighed and scowled at Yohji in unison.

"What the fuck did she do to you?" He stalked over to the bed, ripped away the cloth and stared at Aya's split and swollen lip. Looking up into his mate's eyes, he snarled and grabbed the man's chin.

Aya glared at him for a second, the two of them silently fighting, before closing his eyes and arching his throat. "Schoen hit me twice and Nagi once. I think she believed we were… being uppity." Yohji grunted in anger, furious at the thought of someone laying a hand on his lover.

The sound of a squawk heralded Omi's entrance into the room, and the door was slammed shut behind the teenager as he raced to Nagi's side. While the little demon was being fussed over Yohji let out a breath and stroked Aya's lip, sending a tingle of energy that caused the wound to heal and the swelling to go down. When that was done he bent his head and kissed Aya, purring when Aya rose up to meet him, wrapping his arms around Yohji's neck and ardently kissing him back.

Someone tapping him on the arm eventually caused Yohji to growl and pull away from Aya just as he was about to pick up the man and lay him back down on the bed. Hell, he'd even managed to undo a few of the laces on the green shirt of his that Aya had taken a fancy to lately.

"What the fuck do you want?"

Omi brushed off being snapped at and pointed at Nagi. "Where is Cass' cream? I can't heal my boyfriend with a touch, so I need that to take care of him." Omi exchanged a glare with Yohji until he gave in and stalked over to his dresser, muttering all the while under his breath about little demons and their ungrateful, bratty, bossy lovers. Finding the jar, he tossed it with considerable strength and malice at Omi's head. Of course the little shit caught it. Hmphing and snarling in anger that he'd been interrupted in his pursuit of pleasure because of _Nagi_, of all people, Yohji returned to the bed and sank down onto the mattress as he pulled Aya into his lap. He got his chin nipped lightly as his mate curled up against his chest for his troubles, but at least he had Aya purring in his arms. Watching Omi tend to Nagi, Yohji started toying with the laces of the green shirt again, thinking back on how Aya had offered him his throat minutes before.

Fussing over Nagi, Omi wiped his bruised cheek then gently rubbed the cream on the boy's face. Yohji almost chuckled at Nagi's expression, but didn't want to piss off Omi or Aya any more than he already had. So he buried his face in Aya's hair, breathing in deep the scent of his lover's soap, loving the way his whole body shivered in pleasure just from the aroma of roses and the feel of silky strands against his skin. Yohji felt himself start to grow hard, unable to stop himself from responding to his mate, and unwilling to do so even if he could. Feeling Aya's emotions echoing his, he bent his head to nuzzle Aya's neck, just about to taste the pale skin when Omi spoke in a demanding tone.

"All right, what did that… woman want?"

Looking up, Yohji found a very peevish Omi staring back and forth between Aya and Nagi. His mate shifted against him and sat up straighter while Nagi sighed and tugged Omi down on the bed beside him.

"She came with my instructions for tomorrow," Aya answered in a quiet voice. "I'm to kill your father, Manx and you, and as many Guards as I can manage. Then I'm to hide out of the way until I receive more orders."

Omi blanched a little when he heard about his `death sentence', causing Nagi to tightly hug him. Feeling the grief and pain that filled his lover, Yohji did the same with Aya, combing his fingers through the man's red hair until Aya rested his head against Yohji's shoulder.

"What's wrong, cat?"

"Yohji…." Aya started to play with a strand of his hair. "I just don't like the memories it brings back, of being given orders like that, of having to accept any and all abuse." Aya shivered and tucked his head in the crook of Yohji's neck. Whispering endearments to his love, Yohji rubbed his jaw along the top of Aya's head and glanced over at the two kiddies. What he saw had him growling and setting Aya aside.

"All right, how many times do I have to say that this bed is for Aya and me only, and for anyone else it's completely off-limits?!"

Omi and Nagi finally broke apart for some air and to scowl at him. Yohji couldn't give a shit about the dirty looks he was receiving. All he knew was that watching the two teenagers go at it creeped him out even more than the thought that Schu and his asshole of a father had fucked right next to him.

"Go screw around somewhere else!"

Sniffing, Omi stood up and tugged Nagi onto his feet. "Come on, koi, I think Yotan wants the bed all for himself."

Nagi's glare became much more potent, rivaling the intensity of the ones that Aya gave Yohji when he was really, really pissed. "You better not drain him too much, Kudoh. If anything happens to him tomorrow because he's too weak to fight, I will crush you into a ball even smaller than the size of your brain, despite how improbable that seems."

Stretching out on the vacated bed with Aya held tight in his arms, Yohji reminded himself of the various reasons that prevented him from killing Nagi. Such as Omi ordering his execution and Aya refusing to sleep with him ever again. If it weren't for the latter punishment it would almost be worth it to slice the shitty little demon into tiny bits.

"He'll be fine, Nagi, which is more than I can say for you if you don't get your ass out of here right now!" Shadows writhed around the young brunet, making him jump back, startled. Yohji barely managed to trap Aya's elbows against his sides before being hurt for using Aya's power to scare off his best friend.

Glowering, Nagi huffed and growled under his breath while Omi tugged him out of the room. Yohji snarled in return until the two of them were gone, and then bent his head to nibble on one of Aya's ears. The desire he felt before returned tenfold, making him ache with the need to take Aya, to lose himself in his mate. It was a primal drive that Yohji loved all too much to not give in to, as it always ended in pleasure, him buried in his lover and so flooded with sunlight he felt he should glow for days to come.

Starting to purr, Aya twisted in Yohji's arms and nipped at his bottom lip, the rumble from his throat turning into a hiss for the barest of moments. His eyes were heavy-lidded with passion. Aya's teeth continued to worry at Yohji's lip, but now they were gently nibbling at his flesh until Yohji groaned and grasped handfuls of crimson silk, pulling back just enough on Aya's head so he could ravish his mate's mouth with ease.

Their tongues twisted about in each other's mouths, flicking and stroking and pulling back to suck on the other, and all the while the taste of Aya made Yohji start to tingle from the energy pouring into him. He moaned his appreciation of the feeling, reluctantly forcing one hand away from Aya's hair to shift downward and fumble at the remaining laces on the green shirt. More than anything he wanted his lover naked before him, revealed in all his glory for Yohji to adore and worship, to do his best to replace memories of despair and pain with ones of love and pleasure. He felt like his whole being was comprised of the need to fuck Aya, to be joined with him as deeply as they could be.

"I want you, Aya, so fucking much it hurts. May I?"

Nipping at his lip again, Aya growled as he shrugged out of his shirt and pulled Yohji close to him as he rolled on his back. His body eloquently answered Yohji's request, his legs wrapping around Yohji's waist and his groin rocking back and forth, but what really had Yohji's attention was Aya tilting back his head until his neck was one graceful, enticing arch.

"You're the only one who's ever asked for my permission, Yotan. I… I love you so much for that fact alone. I'm yours, and you should know that by now," Aya purred, and at that moment Yohji couldn't remember his love feeling more human, more centered here in the light with him than ever before.

Brushing his lips reverently along the offered throat, Yohji started purring himself as impatient hands tugged at the black shirt he was wearing. Unwilling to part with his prize just yet, Yohji let Aya unlace the shirt and push it as far down his shoulders as he could while he nuzzled Aya's throat. Rasping his teeth along his mate's Adam's apple had Aya arching beneath him, a whimper slipping past his lips. Adoring that sound, Yohji repeated the action again and again, until Aya started to writhe beneath him, forgetting all about the shirt in an effort to pull Yohji's hips as close to him as he could.

He started to suck on the white skin, even pressing his teeth against it hard enough to leave several imprints of them. Yohji wanted to brand Aya as his in every way possible to irrevocably prove that the man was his, and that no one would ever hurt him again, not without facing Yohji first. He would kill any bastard who thought to cause Aya even an ounce of pain.

Snarling, Yohji pulled away enough to tear off first his shirt then his pants, and as Aya lay in the bed spread before him, he pulled off the man's pants as well. When their clothes were scattered about the room Yohji bent over the slim figure of his love, draping himself completely over Aya as he lay back down. The feel of all that skin coming in contact… he moaned in ecstasy as he stroked Aya's face with his right hand, running his fingers along a high cheekbone and smiling when they brushed against impossibly long eyelashes.

"I know you're mine, but I'll never stop asking, cat. I never want to take you for granted." Yohji chuckled gently as he ran his fingers along Aya's kiss swollen lips, flashing a smile as they were nipped. "Gods, we really are sappy together." He couldn't resist kissing the pouty lips before him and tasting how sweet Aya was.

"I want you, Aya, want all of you, every bit that you say is mine. There are dozens of good reasons why I shouldn't take you tonight, but I… I never can truly fight my hunger when it concerns you. I need you too much."

Aya threaded his fingers through Yohji's hair and tugged very lightly on the strands. "I can come up with a dozen reasons why we should do this, Yotan." He lifted his head to thoroughly kiss Yohji at the same time he resumed rocking his hips, causing their erections to grind against each other. The sunlight that was pouring into Yohji was so bright and strong he felt lighter than air, ready to float away at the slightest breeze if not for the legs around his waist and the hands in his hair.

"I told you, I'm yours. Yohji… you're all I have now. I need you just as badly, maybe even more than you need me. Please, Yotan." Aya's voice deepened into a husky purr, and his unusual eyes, indigo one moment, silver the next, stared deep into Yohji's.

Forgetting all about how unwise it would be to take any of Aya's strength the day before a nasty fight, Yohji let the need and desire overwhelm him. It had been a losing battle anyway, especially when Aya had offered his throat like that. Remembering how good it felt when Aya had marked him there the day before, Yohji couldn't help but return to the slender neck, sucking and biting with abandon, causing sunlight to flow even stronger into him.

Eventually he tore himself away from the bruised column and let his mouth wander all over Aya, needing to taste all of him. As his mate moaned and gasped beneath him, Yohji suckled and lapped at pert nipples, nibbled his way along collarbones and down prominent ribs, flicked his tongue along a quivering abdomen and spearing it into Aya's navel, smiling when the man mewled and bucked at the sensations. He sucked on his cat's hipbones, teasing his lips along sensitive thighs all the way down to Aya's feet, pausing to briefly suck on a big toe before working his way back up. The whole time his hands stroked Aya's flesh, skittering over raised scars and massaging defined muscles, not leaving an inch of Aya's exposed skin alone, save one very important area.

The feel and taste of Aya drove Yohji deeper into his need, served only to act as fuel thrown on a fire. He couldn't ever get enough of his mate. Yohji counted on having centuries to learn just how foolish he was to think this hunger could ever be appeased, not with the pleasure coursing into him, utterly filling him with warmth and love, along with Aya's emotions and answering his need and desire.

Lost in the bliss, Yohji slid up along Aya's body with a certain goal in mind. He smiled wickedly as he breathed on Aya's weeping cock, causing the man to twitch and groan beneath him. Yohji nuzzled briefly at the dark red curls at his arousal's base, breathing in deep the scent of musk that would cling to him for hours to come, and then licked at the heavy sacks before him. Aya started to writhe, pleading with Yohji but oddly enough the man was saying `no' and not `yes.' Wanting more of the sunlight, as much as Aya could give him, Yohji took the balls into his mouth, stroking them with his tongue as he lightly sucked. But for some reason the sunlight started to fade, not grow stronger.

Releasing Aya's balls, Yohji licked along the prominent vein of Aya's cock and was startled to hear his mate whimper. Aya's fear and revulsion finally cut through the desire and pleasure, causing Yohji to push up on his arms and lean forward, desperate to find out what was making Aya feel that way. He looked into a pair of glassy violet eyes then down at Aya's tightly clamped lips.

"Aya… cat, it's me. It's Yohji. What's wrong?" Yohji made his voice soothing and gentle and scooted forward enough so he could reach with one hand to stroke Aya's hair. His mate shuddered for a second and captured Yohji's hand, tugging on it until he could rub his cheek along the back of it. His eyes filled with pain, Aya shook his head.

"Yotan… not that. Not now. Please." Aya's voice cracked on the entreaty, and with a groan Yohji thought of what he'd been about to do. There hadn't been any oral sex between the two of them since Aya had been raped, and he hadn't taken the time to think that while Aya giving him a blowjob was definitely out of question for the time being, that perhaps Aya would prefer not to receive one either.

Pulling Aya upright, Yohji sat on the bed and held his love tightly in his arms, soothing his hands along Aya's shoulders and neck, as far down the man's scarred back as he dared. It suddenly occurred to Yohji that even with Aya-chan free and Reiji and his sons dead, Aya would carry the scars of his abuse for a long time to come. His freedom and the death of the men who'd hurt him would be no instant cure-all. Only time and love would bury Aya's fears and painful memories.

"Don't, Yohji. Don't feel pity for me," Aya hissed, pulling back as far as Yohji's hold would allow him. "That's not what I want from you."

Tracing Aya's lips, which had been bruised and bleeding such a short while ago, Yohji asked in a husky whisper what it was that the redhead wanted from him.

"You. I just want you." Aya sighed and caught Yohji's finger between his sharp teeth, biting hard enough to just barely break the skin. When Yohji cursed and glared at his lover, he saw Aya smiling back at him. It occurred to him then that tomorrow there would be enough pain for them to bear, and that there were better things to feel tonight. Like how tight Aya was, clenching around him, and that wonderful sunlight filling him as he made Aya cry out in bliss.

Shaking his injured finger, Yohji pressed Aya against him. "Well then, I better give you what you want before you bite off something important." He smiled back at Aya, his heart fluttering as the younger man's pain slowly faded beneath pleasure, knowing that he was the one causing that emotion. All Yohji truly wanted was for Aya to be happy and to love him back. It was funny how in so short a time his whole world could come to revolve around one person. But he was so tied to Aya, so intertwined with him that it felt as if they'd been lovers for centuries.

Wanting all of the pain to vanish, Yohji kissed Aya, occupying his cat's vicious, sweet mouth as his hands once again stroked the man's body. Using all his skill and knowledge, and guided by what Aya was feeling, Yohji soon had his mate writhing on his lap, moaning his name as he tossed back his head. Sweaty bangs fell along Aya's face as Yohji nibbled on his neck and collarbones, one hand coming to brush the strands back and to tangle in an eartail as the other, slickened with gel, started to circle the tiny pucker. Aya mewled at the teasing touch, rocking his hips backwards as he clung to Yohji. Once again sunlight was pouring into him in a burning torrent, causing Yohji to pant and tremble.

The teasing soon became too much for even him, and Yohji pushed the finger inside Aya, into the luscious heat awaiting him. Aya gasped and buried his face against Yohji's shoulders as his hips gyrated, pushing back onto Yohji's finger then shift forward and rub their erections together.

Pushing in another finger, Yohji bit his own lip at the wave of ecstasy that all but scorched him as they brushed against Aya's prostate, filling them both with the intense emotion the touch provoked. Aya gasped as his body jerked at the touch, his teeth biting down on Yohji's shoulder but this time not breaking the skin. His hands trembling so much that it took conscious thought to make them move, Yohji reluctantly pulled his fingers out of Aya after scissoring them several times. Ignoring Aya's whine of disappointment, he lay back on the bed and quickly greased his twitching cock, moaning at the sensation of cool gel against his burning flesh.

His eyes heavy-lidded again, Aya watched Yohji prepare himself, and with a loud purr pushed Yohji's hand away, positioning himself above the thick penis. They both held their breath as Aya sank downward, slowly taking Yohji inside himself. There was a moment of resistance, of Yohji pressing against tight muscles, and then it was heat, delicious heat and a velvet grip that rippled around him, clenching him tightly enough to make Yohji groan. Aya kept pressing downwards until Yohji was sheathed entirely inside his body, trembling slightly when Yohji shifted his hips. Shadows skittered over to the bed, touching and caressing Yohji as the pale man moaned out his name.

"Oh gods, Aya. Want this forever, it's so fucking good. Ride me, cat. I want to be deep inside you, as deep as you can take me."

"Yo~tan." Just that one word, more a purr than actual speech, and Aya leaned forward with his head above Yohji's and his hands resting beside his shoulders. He seared Yohji's whole being with a single kiss that left them both panting heavily. Then Aya leaned back, his hands resting on Yohji's stomach and Yohji's hands tight around his hips, he did as Yohji had asked.

He started out very slowly, making Yohji whimper to feel that velvet warmth slide away from him, withdrawing almost completely before encasing him once again. But when he started to pump Aya's cock in time to the thrusts, they sped up, keeping pace with his hand as it slid up and down the slick, hard organ, flicking back the foreskin before tightly sliding back down along its length.

The sunlight was so intense, even more so than the first time Aya had taken him, or when he'd made the man his mate. Aya was filling him with life, love and warmth. When Yohji managed to tear his eyes away from the sight of Aya's sweaty face, twisted with pleasure and need and so fucking beautiful, to look at where they were joined, he found his body actually glowing with a dim light, contrasting against the shifting shadows. He was overflowing with pleasure, both his and Aya's, feeding off of each other and causing the emotion to reach greater and greater heights.

Then it all tumbled down, crashing through Yohji as he yelled out Aya's name, his body pouring his seed deep inside his mate, one more mark to be added to prove his claim. Aya's body clamped around his jerking cock, milking it as Aya shuddered and cried out in bliss, shadows writhing around the two of them for several moments before slinking away. Aya let out a hitch of breath and fell forward into Yohji's waiting arms. They trembled together as waves of bliss, set off by the slightest touch, continued to wash through them, their hearts slowing in unison from the frantic pace.

Feeling a smile pull at his lips, Yohji chuckled and kissed the top of Aya's head. His mate was limp against him and purring loudly, Aya's fingers lightly flicking along his sides until he almost laughed at the ticklish sensation. Yohji ran a hand along his lover's sweaty body, for once not provoking a reaction as it skimmed along Aya's back, and when it settled just above the curve of the smaller man's ass he started to give back some of the energy that pulsed in his veins.

Aya immediately shifted around, catching Yohji's hand and pulling it away. With a weary sigh he rolled off of Yohji, both of them feeling a pang as Yohji slid out of his lover.

"Cat, you need the energy. Come back here."

Shaking his head, Aya captured both of Yohji's reaching hands by the wrists and held them tight. He leaned forward to kiss Yohji lightly on the lips. "Keep it."

"Aya, we'll be fighting tomorrow, take it back." Yohji tried to glare at the man, but figured the effect was being ruined by the smile that refused to leave his lips.

"Yohji, you'll be fighting too. Keep the energy. It should make you even more immune to spells." When Yohji tried to argue some more Aya shook his head, a feeling of sadness creeping upon him.

"I'll have all the energy I need tomorrow, once the killing starts." Aya's eyes flashed silver in the candlelight, and for a moment Yohji felt the darkness that was Aya's kage nature. "I… I don't need to feed like you do, but I learned a long time ago that I always absorb some energy when there's a death around me. It's helped me at times, when the Takatoris…." Aya closed his eyes, and Yohji tugged at his hands, wanting them free so he could hug his mate and try to take away the pain filling them both. "When they've bled me in the past, and then assigned a mission for me soon afterward, I could manage it knowing that there would be some relief for me… once I took a life." Aya's eyes opened, and they were filled with so much sadness that Yohji felt tears well up in his.

The hold around his wrists finally loosening, Yohji snatched them free and combed his fingers through Aya's hair. He'd wondered if Aya ever had to feed like he, Schuldig and Jei did, but had thought that maybe his lover was like Nagi, who only needed food for energy. Now he knew differently.

"Aya, you don't have to feed like that. Let me give some of your energy back; you gave more than enough this time."

Aya again shook his head. "Yohji, I won't budge on this. I need you to live tomorrow, whatever the cost. I can feed during the fighting, you can't say the same." Aya stared at Yohji, a hint of anger tainting his emotions. "Don't make me throw you out the window after all. I don't want to wait a whole month before having you again."

Smiling at the memory of the joke, and at how passionate and pleasurable the two times he'd let Aya take him had been, Yohji shook his head. "Okay, you win. But I want you to get some rest now, and then we're staging a midnight raid on the kitchen later. You're going to be stuffed with so much food that Cass' costume probably won't fit you at all."

Aya wearily smiled back, and once again Yohji thought about how beautiful his mate was when he was happy. Well, Aya was gorgeous all the time, but now, smiling…. The sight made him very happy, and he resolved that as soon as the battle tomorrow was over and behind them, it would be his mission to make Aya smile at least once a day. There were too many years of pain and sadness to make up for. Besides, maybe he wouldn't get bitten so much if Aya were in a good mood.

*******

Schuldig yawned as he kicked off his boots and sank down on the bed. He had a slight headache from preventing people from overhearing the discussion at the table tonight, and part of him wanted to do nothing more than to curl up in bed and sleep for the next week. That was the part that was in denial about the fact that tomorrow he'd be putting his life on the line for a king he barely knew and almost all the people he cared about in this world. And his father. For a moment Schuldig wondered if he should say a small prayer asking the gods that if they took anyone's life tomorrow, to make sure that it was Crawford's. But he managed to resist the temptation. That was to invite the notoriously fickle beings to spare only Crawford, and the prick did have an important role to play in the future. As did Schuldig, and after tomorrow he'd be firmly set on that path. So much for free will.

Masato sat beside him and started to massage his tense shoulders. Somehow just the touch of the man and his scent made Schuldig relax and start purring. There was a tiny voice inside him yelling about him giving in to his mate, demanding that he stop being such a pushover and do something other than melt under the touch, but Schuldig, as usual, ignored it. This felt too good to give in to his burgeoning insecurities.

"How the hell did you get so good at this?"

"Try giving massages for a hundred years or so and see how well they turn out." Masato chuckled and bent down to kiss Schuldig right below his ear. "All that practice was worth it, if you enjoy it so."

"Hmm, continue to do that for a few more minutes and I'll be a pile of sleeping mush." His headache slowly started to fade away, and he let out a groan when Masato kissed him again, this time on the throat. From his mate he picked up the thoughts of how tempting his throat looked to Masato and the anxieties about what they would face the next day, especially Schuldig

<Relax. Crawford has had numerous visions about me surviving tomorrow, so don't you worry. I won't die on you.>

"I'll feel better when the fighting is all said and done and we're both alive. But I guess that means I should survive, if you do too."

Schuldig felt his muscles tense at that thought. Because they were mates, it was safe for Masato to make that assumption. Schuldig wasn't human like Miyuki, which meant his bond with Masato would be stronger than the man's first mating. It was very possible that when one of them died, the other would too, even if they had only been mated a short time. It was known to happen among bound pairings.

While he wasn't happy about the thought of Masato dying, Schuldig also didn't like to be reminded that he was irrevocably tied to another person now, all because Fate had decreed it to be so. Schuldig enjoyed having Masato as a lover, and most times he was heartened to know that he'd never be alone again, but….

Masato stopped the massage and tugged on Schuldig's shoulder until he turned around. "Is something wrong? Are you the one worrying about tomorrow now?"

Shaking his head, Schuldig tried for his usual carefree smile. Dammit, he had to get used to someone being able to read his thoughts so easily. It was difficult knowing that Masato could sense his emotions. He wasn't used to sharing so much of himself with anyone other than Mom and Yohji.

"Nah, I'm wondering if Yohji is going to leave Aya any energy to fight with tomorrow. He never did come back down after checking up on the man, and I can't get his attention to read his thoughts."

Frowning, Masato sat back on the bed, anger and disappointment flowing between their link. "Why do you care so much about him? I know he's your best friend, but you're always thinking of him. And let Aya worry about whether or not he'll have enough strength for tomorrow. Somehow, I don't see him allowing Yohji to drain him dry."

"Don't tell me who to worry about and who not to, Masato." Schuldig snapped at his lover, stung by jealousy and a touch of bitterness. Aya did have Yohji wrapped around his little finger, that was a fact, but the way Masato said it made it sound like he was defending the other redhead, was praising him.

"Schuldig, why do you have to be such a damn brat? I make one comment and you bite my head off."

"Maybe it's because you can't seem to stop trying to boss me around. I'm sick of the attitude, Masato." All of Schuldig's nervousness and ill feelings spilled forth as anger. "Yeah, you might be a fucking century older, but you don't know shit, especially about me. I'm not some impressionable young thing you can take control of and tell what to do. I'll worry about Yohji if I damn well want to. Consider that me making up for all the years when you obviously didn't give a shit about him."

He knew what buttons to push; they had only been mated a couple of days and Schuldig already knew exactly how to provoke his lover: pretty much rub anything to do with Miyuki Kudoh or him taking so long to honor his promise to the woman in the other bound's face and Masato's temper would snap in an instant.

As he'd expected, Masato growled and grabbed Schuldig by his shoulders, shaking him back and forth a few times. "You're such a fucking brat, you really are. I've never lost my patience with anyone as much as I have with you. I'm sick of you picking fights with me all the time, and that you seem to care more for Yohji than you do for me."

<Why shouldn't I care for him more? I've known him all my life, and I've known you less than a month. All that I'm sure about with you is that you're my mate and that we have great sex. I'm supposed to care about anything else?>

It was like a fire in his blood, goading Masato on like this. The cruel words caused a flash of pain in Masato that Schuldig refused to think about, and then there was a crystal resolve forming moments before Masato kissed him savagely.

`It's about more than sex and you know it, Schuldig. What the hell is making you so afraid? The fight tomorrow? Well that's no excuse to take it out on me.'

Schuldig kissed his mate back for a moment, but the comment about Masato feeling his fear had him snarling and biting the man's lip. Masato pulled away with a curse and Schuldig bared his teeth at the man, his challenge blatant. Like a bull reacting to a waving red flag, Masato lost control of his succubae nature and within seconds Schuldig was pinned on the bed, being kissed within an inch of his life. But Masato didn't swamp him with compulsion this time; even enraged and provoked into proving the nature of their bond the older man was keeping his promise.

Schuldig felt his fear spike at that thought. It scared him, Masato giving in to him so completely on such a thing, honoring a silly promise like that. It went into territories that he didn't want to think about. For a moment Yohji's words from earlier flashed through Schuldig's mind, about Aya being able to give more of himself when his sister was safe, and their bond being even tighter than before.

He couldn't just give in like that. It was almost funny, Schuldig reflected, as Masato ripped off his shirt and attacked his throat with a demanding mouth. As he moaned in ecstasy Schuldig thought about how Yohji, the infamous slut, the lover and leaver of many, and Aya, the abused, introverted kage were able to give themselves almost completely to each other. They knew it too; he'd picked that up from their thoughts. Aya and Yohji had moved past any fear they might have had over that and gave all they could to each other.

While he had to trick himself into giving anything at all to Masato, a man who he was coming to realize would gladly give him his entire being. He had to push and prod Masato into drastic action, such as when they'd mated and right now, so that little voice inside him would be appeased, would know that he wasn't just kowtowing to Fate or weakness. Despite the pleasure, the contentment and feeling of completion, Schuldig couldn't quite give so much of himself. Not yet.

As if sensing his thoughts, Masato snarled and yanked on his hair, forcing Schuldig to arch his neck. Hazel eyes stared into his, darkened to a rich green due to passion, and he could feel Masato's need, desire and frustration.

"Stop it. Stop fighting me."

"I can't." The admission tore itself free from Schuldig, startling him even more than Masato. He didn't know what part of himself that answer had come from.

Masato bent his head down until their noses touched. "You are mine, Schu. That fact can never be changed now. You told me to make you mine, and I did. Forever." Then Masato kissed him, filling him with so much passion and need that Schuldig moaned and forced the dark thoughts from his head.

Before Masato had claimed him with power, with a driven need that had claimed them both and pushed them on into a frenzy. Now Masato claimed him again, by making Schuldig want him so incredibly much. Each caress and kiss from the man filled him with aching need, had him writhing for more touches. Somehow Masato had rid Schuldig of his pants and stripped himself, but the caresses never once ceased, the pleasure continuing to build.

Masato's mouth on his body had him crying out again and again, sucking and licking and nibbling all over Schuldig, provoking responses from places that had never been sensitive before. Masato's hands stroked every inch of his skin, feather light touches that had him arching his body for more contact. All the while he could sense his mate's thoughts about how beautiful and desirable he was, how Masato wanted him so much and was never going to let him go. They only made the bliss that much more overwhelming.

The feel of Masato sliding a finger inside him made Schuldig cry out the man's name and toss his head back and forth, his whole being craved for his mate to be buried inside him, the pleasure becoming that much more intense. While that finger, and soon another, stretched and prepared him, ever so slightly brushing against his sweet spot to make Schuldig's whole body tingle, Masato's mouth returned to his neck, sucking with intent force. He was purring so much his teeth were chattering, and Schuldig was completely lost in pleasure.

When Masato pulled his fingers out Schuldig whimpered and made to turn onto his stomach, but the firm hold his mate had on him prevented him from doing so.

"No, I want to watch you this time," Masato growled as he started to push inside of Schuldig; he could only nod his head in agreement before moaning deeply. The feel of his lover entering him, so large and thick and hot…. Schuldig groaned as he rocked his hips towards Masato's, needing that cock in him as deep as it could go. When it brushed against his already sensitized sweet spot, Schuldig couldn't help shouting Masato's name.

His mate paused momentarily once he was completely sheathed inside of Schuldig, kissing his collarbones and neck during the wait, and after a kiss on the mouth, started to thrust. The strokes were deep, powerful and steady, filling Schuldig completely and almost always hitting his prostate, making him mewl with each set of sparks that were sent coursing through his body. He writhed beneath Masato, needing more of those strokes, more of the caresses that slid along his over-sensitive skin, more of those kisses. He needed more of Masato, for once uncaring and unafraid of that need, especially when Masato was giving him exactly what he wanted.

"You're mine." The words were breathed into Schuldig's ear, filling his head, as it was all Masato thought about, that Schuldig was his and he'd want him forever. With a sob Schuldig nodded his head, forcing himself to give that much to his mate, to acknowledge a bond that frightened him to no end yet still was one he wanted so much.

Schuldig's world dissolved into pleasure, for once his mind and heart and body in complete unison. He felt the ecstasy coursing through Masato as the man fed off of him, felt it rival his own, and sent it back to his mate. Body and mind became entwined, linked by their need, until everything between them blurred. All that mattered was the pleasure they shared, and the way they made each other feel. Time seemed to still, until their bodies could take no more and they both came. The bliss caused Schuldig to pass out.

He awoke a few minutes later and found himself cleaned off and wrapped in Masato's arms, his mate lying behind him and nuzzling the side of his neck. Schuldig felt weak from the energy loss and completely sated, his body refusing to move away from Masato's.

From the older man he picked up the thought that he'd been claimed again, and that it would happen again and again until Schuldig stopped being such a stubborn bastard. He sighed and blew a strand of his sweat soaked hair off his face, trying to mumble but unable to do anything but purr in bliss.

<I didn't just give in to you back then. I didn't.>

Masato kissed him on a bite that he was just now beginning to feel, one on the side of his neck right above his shoulder. `Schu… I'm not going to argue with you, not now. I don't know what you're afraid of so I'll let this matter drop tonight. But you're mine now, for always and ever, and not even you can be stubborn enough to deny that for much longer.'

No, he couldn't. But somehow, the sense of panic Schuldig felt at that thought was a little less than it had been before.

*******

Sneaking down the back steps, Yohji listened for the sound of anyone being up and about, and decided that everyone had finally given up on partying and had gone to bed. After all, tomorrow was going to be a long day, and everyone was probably looking forward to the all day fetes that would mark the holiday.

Ensured that the way was clear, Yohji grabbed Aya's wrist and tugged the man after him, earning a sleepy growl from Aya when his haste made Aya stumble on a step. As soon as they were on the ground floor Yohji smiled in apology and wrapped an arm around Aya's shoulders, steering the tired man towards the kitchen. He'd hated to wake Aya up from his nap, but his lover needed to get some food in him to replace the energy that now thrummed through Yohji.

Pushing open the kitchen door, the two of them came to a halt when they found the place illuminated by candles. The entire crew of the Koneko was seated around the large wooden table in the middle of the room, cups of hot chocolate in their hands.

"What are you guys doing up? Everyone went to bed a while ago." Yohji looked at his friends in perplexity while Aya, having smelled the hot chocolate, headed for the table and took a seat between Jo and Ani. Deserted by his mate, Yohji huffed a few breaths and joined him at the table, making Ani scoot over as he claimed his place at Aya's side.

"We're just having a nice chat before we all go to bed. One might ask why you're up when you disappeared hours ago." Jo set her cup down and poured some hot chocolate for Aya, glancing from his bruised neck to Yohji, a scowl on her face. Seeing Aya hungrily gulp down the sweet beverage, she wearily rose from the table and headed for the stove.

"Thanks, Jo. We're a little hungry right now." Yohji poured Aya more hot chocolate then a mug for himself, losing himself briefly in the memory of how he'd often spend nights at this table with Jo, Teddy, Mickey and his mother, all of them enjoying a treat together. He sipped his drink and smiled wistfully, consoling himself with the thought that while his mother might be gone, he could have many nights spent sitting here with Aya at his side, just like right now.

Everyone remained quiet while Jo whipped up an impromptu meal of omelets, bacon, toast and a couple leftover cherry tarts for Yohji and Aya. Having to nudge his mate to get the man to stop leaning against him, half-asleep, and to start eating, Yohji smiled his thanks as he attacked his food with considerable gusto. He'd skipped dinner that night, and while he wasn't as hungry as Aya was, he did have a large appetite.

He thanked Jo again when the food was all gone, and again nudged Aya in the ribs when all he did was nod his head. The quiet man whispered his thanks and bared his teeth at Yohji, who was left wondering if Aya's father really had been a lord. Granted, most of the highborns he'd met at Court had been proper bastards, conceited and power-hungry, but they did know the meaning of the word `manners'. Aya should have been able to pick up a few decent traits during the first ten years of his life.

Yohji then noticed that no one was budging from the table even though the hot chocolate was long gone. He raised an eyebrow and glanced back at Jo.

"Am I missing something here?"

Jo shook her head and leaned back in her chair, and everyone else at the table became very still.

"We were just discussing our plans for tomorrow before you two joined us."

"Ah, well, I imagine your day will consist of working your asses off, maybe sneaking off to a temple or two if you have the time, and generally be too busy with carousing customers to even worry about Aya and me."

To Yohji's dismay, Jo shook her head again. "No, we were talking about what costumes the staff planned to wear to the wedding reception tomorrow."

Yohji didn't even realize that he had started snarling until he felt Aya's concern at his behavior. Glaring at the Koneko's staff, he slowly shook his head back and forth.

"None of you are going to the wedding tomorrow. No one. Are you fucking nuts? You know there's going to be a nasty fight there, so you're gonna keep your asses safely here and wait for us to return."

The younger staff burst into protest, from Teddy yelling that Yohji couldn't boss him around to Touya complaining that he was never allowed to do anything to Ani very loudly proclaiming that she could take care of herself. The sound of Jo clearing her throat had everyone falling silent, while Ichiro limped over from the stove with a pot of coffee in hand and a wry smile on his face.

"Let me say it again, none of you are going to the reception tomorrow," Yohji said in a quiet, seething voice.

"I hate to break it to you, Yohji, but I will indeed be attending the reception tomorrow. All Harpers in the capital are to be in attendance. You might be a dear friend, but you're not my Guildmaster." Koyu's voice was just as quiet as Yohji's, and his eyes contained a matching steely resolution. The two of them stared at each other for several seconds before Teddy spoke up.

"If Koyu's going, I am too. There is no way I'll let him go off and face the fighting alone. Don't you even think about trying to stop me, Yohji. You're going to fight because of Aya after all." Teddy's glare softened as it flickered to Aya briefly, but hardened when it returned back to him. Wanting to snarl again, Yohji bared his teeth instead, knowing there was no way to keep the two men here at the Koneko tomorrow, other than to lock them in a room. Which they would escape from the second he left, freed by the other staff.

Mickey was the next to speak. "I'll be going too, to keep an eye on them." As soon as he said the words Ani, Kira and Touya jumped in, saying that they had every right to attend if Mickey and Teddy could.

"Has it escaped your attention that none of you except Koyu has an invitation to the event?" Yohji asked in exasperation. Maybe locking everyone in a room would be the best solution to keeping these idiots here, where it would be safe.

"Get off it, Yohji. You know that no Guard is going to turn any of us away. We never receive formal invitations to any of the royal events at the palace, but some of us always go."

Glaring at Teddy, Yohji barely managed to rein in his temper by clutching Aya's hand and counting to ten. "Yes, but at none of those events was there the possibility that you could be killed! I don't want to have to worry about any of you tomorrow. And don't give me any shit about you guys knowing how to fight. You'll be dealing with professionals." He glared at Touya and Ani, daring them to say anything. When they didn't Yohji continued.

"There will be several wizards there as well as some trained mercenaries. You guys wouldn't stand a fucking chance, and all you'd do is distract Schu, the others and me. You'll stay here where it's safe, and that's final. Only Koyu and Teddy will be attending."

"But Yotan…."

"My sister." Touya fell silent when Aya spoke, and everyone turned their attention to the redhead. Yohji looked at his lover, wondering what point Aya was trying to make.

"My sister's soul will remain here. I can't risk the sphere being damaged during the fight tomorrow." Aya's voice was deep and filled with pain, his emotions reflecting the same. Yohji clasped the man's hand between both of his and rubbed it soothingly.

"Who will watch over her while Yohji and I are gone? I have wardings in place, but…. At some point during the battle, my masters will learn that they no longer possess the sphere, and they might send someone or something to find it and regain control over me. And they'll know where to look, as soon as they see who I'm fighting beside." Aya looked at the people assembled around the table. Yohji could feel how hard it was for Aya to talk about his sister, and even worse, to try and ask a favor from people he barely knew and had only trusted for a few weeks.

Jo reached across the table and brushed back Aya's bangs. "Ichiro and I will be staying here; we have enough sense to know we'd be no good in a battle. I promise you, nothing will harm your sister while you're gone." She sat back in her chair and looked expectantly around the table. Silence reigned for several minutes.

Sighing, Mickey shared a glance with Kira and then nodded his head. "I guess I forgot that there was something important here at the Koneko to fight for. You go to the wedding, Aya, and I'll stay behind and guard your sister. My word on that."

Reluctantly, Ani and Touya agreed, and Kira smiled in relief as she promised. At least one of them was showing sense, Yohji thought bitterly as he kissed Aya's temple. As upset as he was to realize he'd forgotten all about Aya-chan and the possibility that something might attack the Koneko because of the girl, he was relieved that his friends would avoid the worst of the battle. Yohji made a note, though, to talk to Botan tomorrow when the wizard came here before the wedding about setting up some protective wards. The Koneko possessed a few, but he'd feel better if they were beefed up somewhat.

Looking back at Teddy and Koyu, Yohji jerked a hand through his hair and let out a breath. "Are you sure you guys have to attend? It will be very dangerous there."

"Yohji, I truly do have to be there, or it will raise suspicions about why I didn't attend. Though I won't argue with Teddy if he decides to remain here."

Sparing his lover a dirty look, Teddy crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm going with you, and that's final."

What a surprise, Teddy was being a stubborn twit. But at least Yohji had only had to worry about two of his friends now. And he pitied the merc or wizard that took Teddy on. Wrapping his arms around Aya, Yohji tried not to wonder how many of them wouldn't be here at this table after tonight.

*******