Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Shadows ❯ trust, part 2 ( Chapter 12 )

Shadows

*******

chapter 8

*******

trust, part 2

*******

Schuldig squared his shoulders and entered the Koneko. He hadn't been at the inn very much the past several days, other than to stop in for a quick breakfast or two. He'd needed some time to put his thoughts in order, and it hurt too much to see Yohji falling deeper and deeper in love with Aya each day.

The past week had been spent scouring through every book his mother possessed related to succubae-bounds and kage. He couldn't fight a thing if he didn't know about it. But what he'd found…. Schuldig nodded to Ani as he sat at an unoccupied table. What he'd found had only proved his mother right.

Bounds didn't often take mates, but when they did, it was irrevocable. If one of the pairing died, the other didn't usually live much longer. And out of all bounds, succubae and shinigami forged the strongest ties with their mates. That was why there weren't many succubae-bounds around in the first place; they often mated with mortals, and usually didn't live long after their lover's death. As for kage….

To be exact, only one kage had mated with another person, and that had been Katsumi. Following the man's death, she had destroyed everything around her within a ten-kilometer radius, including herself. But the other kage, excepting Aidan, had taken lovers, and that had been their doom.

It was funny that a creature that was so powerful, only gaining in strength the longer it lived, had never survived more than three centuries. They had all been killed or committed suicide by then. The easiest way to kill a kage was to hold its loved one ransom. Even though they had awesome powers at their disposal, kage would rather face their own death than risk the slightest of harm to whomever they loved. Ban and Edan had fallen that way, sacrificing themselves willingly. Schuldig doubted that Aya would be any different. If his parents really wanted the quiet man to go along with their plans, all they had to do was point out how Yohji could be harmed if he continued to serve Takatori.

There had never been a pairing between a succubae-bound and a kage before. For two such possessive and protective people to have found each other and become mates… he had a feeling Harpers like Koyu would be writing songs about the two for centuries to come… if they lived that long.

What it all boiled down to was, there would be no breaking up the two men short of one of their deaths. That would mean the death of the other, hence that plan didn't serve him any purpose. Schuldig had finally reached the conclusion that he had no hope in hell of winning Yohji's love.

At first he'd been happy to hear that Yohji's true love would be coming here, even if the man's arrival meant that the time had come for him to leave the capital. Then Schuldig had seen his friend with Aya and had become jealous of the love and affection that had never been aimed his way. Yohji cared for him as a friend and brother, never as anything else. It was then that Schuldig had realised that he had secretly hoped for something different.

And everything he'd done to tear the two men apart had just bound Yohji and Aya closer together. One of the few thoughts he'd been able to pick up from the blond the past week or so had been his joy in finding a mate, knowing that Aya would be his forever. That had hurt like hell. But if he couldn't have Yohji's heart, he still wanted the man as his best friend. Schuldig just hoped that he hadn't ruined things between them by antagonizing Aya and staying away the past several days.

"Here you go, Schuldig. We haven't seen you lately." Ani set a pint of cider down in front of him.

Smiling charmingly, Schuldig leaned back in his seat. "I've been a bit busy. No rest for the wicked, as the saying goes." They shared a brief laugh. "Where's Yotan?" It stung, that he couldn't just reach out with his mind anymore and find his friend.

"He's in the kitchen. I'll go let him know you're here, he's been worried about you, more so than the rest of us."

That was reassuring to hear. Schuldig sipped his drink as the young woman left, and in a matter of seconds Yohji hurried into the common room with Aya on his heels. Schuldig sternly told his jealousy to go swim in the lake when he caught sight of the other redhead.

"Schu! You bastard! I was worried that you finally got caught!" Yohji dragged him out of his chair and hugged Schuldig, picking him up off the floor. He breathed in deep the man's scent, enjoying the close contact while it lasted. He was relieved to notice that he could, just barely, pick up Yohji's emotions, if not his thoughts. Someone was sure glad to see him.

"As if, Yotan. The only Guard who stood a chance of catching me is retired. I'm going to continue on with my pillaging until the day I die."

Yohji smiled at him and then took a seat. Aya was then caught around the waist and pulled down onto his mate's lap, but not without a slight growl and muttered curse, which immediately was cut off as his neck was nuzzled. Smiling at the scene in spite of himself, Schuldig sent a mental thought to his friend.

<I see that you've managed to tame him a bit.>

`Please don't repeat that out loud, or I'll be sleeping alone for the next week. But I'm finding ways to calm down my grouchy little cat. Though he's even better at wrapping me around his finger. I just spent the past hour chopping vegetables, and I think I'm wearing several carrots.' Yohji made a face and then rested his chin on top of Aya's shoulder.

Both men looked a bit rumpled, and their clothes had a few grass and food stains on them. Aya appeared tired and perfectly content to remain on Yohji's lap, though Schuldig caught a bit of a glare being directed his way as he stared at the kage. Nope, someone was still a bit miffed at him from the looks of it.

"So what did the two of you do today, besides assault harmless vegetables? Aya looks as if he's going to fall asleep at any moment. I see you're still working on controlling your appetite, Yotan."

Yohji actually blushed for a moment, and Aya's glare became more potent. Schuldig reminded himself to be careful of how he teased his friend in front of the kage, as his kind weren't well known for their sense of humor relating to things affecting their lovers.

"Well, you'll be happy to know that we're fully stocked on liquor for the time being, and that the garden has… been well tended to." Yohji smiled slyly and hugged Aya to him even tighter. Schuldig didn't need any more to imagine what the two of them had been up to out there. But some pictures would have been nice.

"I thought Aya was a little tired from all that sunshine, so we spent the rest of the day in the kitchen helping Jo. A word of advice, avoid the apple tarts. I don't want to think about how much of my fingers ended up in them, I suck at peeling apples." Yohji waggled said appendages, which of course were perfectly intact. Guess there was a benefit to being able to drain your lover for energy all the time.

Aya sniffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "You were the one who insisted on playing a game of tag before you'd return my boots to me, and the one who couldn't keep his attention on what he was doing in the kitchen." Schuldig looked at the kage in amazement, as that was the most he'd heard from the man at one time since he'd met him.

A leer spread across Yohji's face. "Well, what do you expect, when you kept bending over to check how the pear tarts were doing? It wasn't my fault."

"Hn." Aya remained still for a moment then suddenly tossed his elbow back, catching Yohji in the ribs. As the succubae-bound tried to breathe, Aya wriggled his way free and quietly commented that he was going to his room to change.

After a minute, Schuldig asked Yohji if he was all right.

"Yeah, I'm just peachy. He's got quite the temper, you know. Sign of a true redhead." Yohji winced as he prodded his abused ribs, but was soon smiling again.

"I'd have thought you'd have learned your lesson by now," Schuldig commented. "I can't remember the last time you deliberately pissed me off."

Yohji laughed for a moment, but had to stop because of the pain. "Yeah, well, after you telepathically planted the fact in Jo's mind of who was responsible for her best set of sheets being ruined on that picnic I had with Han's daughter, I decided it wasn't worth the effort to tease you any more. But Aya…." Yohji smiled tenderly. "As much as it hurts, I'm glad to see him show a bit of backbone. It means he's healing."

Schuldig didn't want to imagine what Aya was healing from, not after seeing the scars that covered his body, thanks to Yohji's memories. "Listen, I came here to talk to you. You mind if we go somewhere private?"

Appearing a bit concerned, Yohji nodded his head and led him to Mickey's office. Once inside, Schuldig leaned against the huge desk and regarded his friend sadly.

"There's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to blurt it out. I'm leaving the capital after the wedding."

He picked up the faint sense of shock and hurt. "But… Schu, why? You're going to leave Cass and me?"

Schuldig tried not to smile at the pain his friend was feeling. Yohji did care for him after all. "I'm afraid so. It's a bit complicated to explain, at least at the moment, but I have to go do something. I'll be leaving with my father. That's part of the reason he's here, to pick me up." Yohji and Aya would find out the truth behind everything, if they survived the king's wedding, along with the king.

"Your father? You're really leaving with the Prick?"

Mention of Crawford's nickname made him smile. "I'm afraid so. I don't really want to, but it's really important that I do."

Yohji was quiet for a few minutes, and Schuldig used that time to surreptitiously stare at his friend. The lanky man looked gorgeous, with his long hair escaping the red ribbon tying it back in wavy tendrils, the matching red sleeveless tunic he wore and the tight leather pants showing off his body. Why did he have to have such a weakness for blonds?

"You're coming back, aren't you? I mean," Yohji yanked his hand through his hair, mussing it even more. "I have all these questions about being a bound, and Aya's not that much help. I don't think kage are anything like other bounds; nothing he tells me makes any sense. I was planning on you helping me out. And then there's the future. I thought when the time came when people realized we weren't aging, the three of us could move on together."

The image of the three of them traveling the world together filled Schuldig with both pain and longing. He wanted that so much, but wasn't sure if he could take seeing Yohji just out of reach, happy and carefree with his mate. His throat suddenly became dry, and it took a moment to clear it.

"Yotan, I'll be back. I promise you." At some point he'd have to come back and claim Aya, for the kage had a role to play in the approaching war as well. "I'll help you with your power until the wedding. I'm sorry for not being around much lately, but I had things to take care of. It's a bit of a shock to suddenly have to think about the future."

That comment earned him a sad smile. "I think I know what you're talking about. It's hard, knowing that I'll have to leave the Koneko one day, a hell of a lot sooner than I was planning. That I won't be able to remain any place for very long. But I'll have Aya at least, and I'm serious about wanting you to be there too." Yohji walked over to Schuldig and gave him a brief hug.

Forcing his arms to let go of Yohji a minute later, Schuldig yanked on a strand of long blond hair. "How can I resist such an offer? So, where are we going to go? Cretia? I've heard there are some pretty women there, and that the men aren't bad either. Maybe I can make you regret the loss of your singleness while we're there."

"Or we could go to Thracia instead." Yohji smiled and patted the black pouch attached to Schuldig's belt. "Lots and lots of nobles and merchants to fleece there. We need to think about our retirement, after all. Have to save enough to last a few centuries, and the diamond mines there would certainly help with that."

"Sweet gods, I've corrupted you beyond redemption. So much for you being a noble Guard." They shared a laugh for a moment, and for the first time in Schuldig's memory, Yohji didn't experience any pain at the mention of his former profession. Enjoying the humor and camaraderie, he spun out another possible destination for them, only to have Yohji match it, and on and on they went.

*******

Hearing the door open, Ran looked up from the washbasin. He watched as Nagi walked into the room, and the boy hurried over to his side, brown eyes intent upon him.

"You don't look sunburned today, so I guess he did manage to keep you out of the sun for once."

Not about to mention the time spent pruning and then running around the garden for fear of a lecture, Ran just grunted and continued to wash himself off. Once that was done, he dried himself and searched out a new tunic, finding a white one with full long sleeves. It would do, along with a pair of black pants. Dressing himself, Ran turned around to find Nagi still staring at him.

"Is something wrong? Where's Omi?" The blond wasn't often far from Nagi's side.

"He's waiting for me downstairs. I told him I wanted to change my shirt before dinner." Nagi walked over to his closet and pulled out the first thing he found. It was a blue tunic that Cassandra had made him. "Ran, do you know anything about your family background? Such as what your father had done at court before working for the prince?"

Frowning mildly, Ran sat down on his bed. "I know he was in some sort of disfavor, something to do with my mother, but they almost never spoke of it. Just said they were much happier in the country. My mother had hated the city, and I know she was raised in a country temple as a foundling. As for my father… I know he had to be independently wealthy, as we never seemed to want for money, and he was always sending away for books and presents for the three of us, which I know had to cost him a lot. But that's it. Why do you ask?"

"Because I found a house today bearing the shield that you showed me one day, the one you carved on… Aya-chan's grave marker… of an orchid wrapped around an unsheathed katana."

Ran flinched at the mention of his family heraldic device. The only time he saw it anymore was when he visited his sister's grave, on his way back from the missions the Takatoris gave him.

"I'm sure there are families or clans out there with similar symbols."

Nagi shook his head. "No, I asked Omi about it. He said it was the emblem of the Fujimiya clan. He also said that your father was a very high ranked lord at one time, but he married your mother, a commoner with no past. Apparently, they have background checks here on anyone who wants to marry, to see if they have bound blood in their family." The boy spat out the last few words. "That's how your family fell into disfavor."

He'd always known it had something to do with his mother, but had never been sure exactly how. It seemed he had the woman to thank for his kage nature as well. Ran pictured the quiet woman, who was always working in her garden, a wide brimmed hat on her auburn hair to prevent her pale skin from burning. All he'd known was that she'd been found at the temple after a ferocious storm, which resulted in her name. When she'd been old enough to leave the temple, she'd gone to the capital to study about plants and had met his father at the Royal library. His parents had obviously spared Aya-chan and him the tragic details behind their romance.

"Thank you, Nagi." Ran rose from the bed and walked over to stare out the window at the garden below him. It hurt to think about his past, about the things that had shaped him and led to him being a monster, but at least he knew a little more about his parents now. He'd never thought to learn anything about them ever again, since his family was gone.

"Wait, Ran, I'm not finished. Your father was the last Lord Fujimiya, and the king thinks you're dead. But you're not. So that makes you a lord, and a rich one at that, with lots of land and money, from what Omi said. You can use that to escape from the Takatoris. You can be free. Just tell the king who you are."

Ran almost laughed at the suggestion, but his chest hurt too much to force the air out. "What would I tell him, Nagi? That his brother murdered my parents and held my sister prisoner until she killed herself? That I'm a slave? He'll want to know why and all Reiji or his sons would have to do was tell them why they've held me captive all these years, and I'll be dead. It doesn't matter who my father was, I'm a monster that the king will want to kill as soon as he discovers my true nature."

"You're not a monster, Ran, no more than I am. But the king and your father were friends. Maybe he'll keep you safe for the sake of that friendship."

"Nagi, I'm a kage. He'll either kill me or enslave me. That's the only possible fate for my kind. Our only freedom lies in death."

In two steps Nagi was standing in front of him, and a hand slapped Ran's face. The blow stunned him, especially since it came from his dearest friend, and as with Yohji, he couldn't find it within himself to protest or react to the abuse. He merely stood there as Nagi yanked on his hair, forcing him to look at the younger bound.

"That's bullshit, Ran. Those aren't your only choices. You can be free, but you have to _want_ that to happen in the first place. We have a chance here to escape from the Takatoris, to live as we want."

Shaking his head, Ran smiled sadly. "Not for me. But you have a chance, Nagi. I've talked to Crawford, and he's going to take you with him after the wedding. He'll find someplace safe for you to live. You don't have to worry anymore." It hurt so badly, the thought of Nagi leaving him, but he had to let the boy go. Had to let Yohji go as well. It didn't matter who or what his father had been, nothing could save Ran from his fate.

Nagi growled in anger. "I don't want to go."

"You will."

"No."

Refusing to engage in a childish fight, Ran rubbed his face and stepped backwards. "He'll take you with him, even if you refuse. You're leaving, Nagi. It's the least I can do for you."

Brown eyes regarded him with anger and hurt. "Listen to me, Ran, I'm not leaving you. Crawford will have to knock me out and tie me up to get me to go with him, and the second he lets me go, I'll make my way back to your side. You're not getting rid of me so easily."

Filled with a sense of dread, Ran grabbed the younger boy by the shoulders and shook him. "You have to go. You can't stay here." He didn't want to see the hate in Nagi's eyes after he killed Omi, or to see him constantly blooded like the bound he'd killed for Crawford.

"Why, Ran? Tell me why."

Desperate to ensure his friend's safety, Ran did just that, while honoring his vow to Crawford. "Because I don't want you to see me kill the king and his bride. I don't want you to see me kill at the wedding. I… Omi will be there too. I know that for a fact. What will you think of me when I slaughter him as well? Go, Nagi. Go and live a life free of death and blood."

Nagi gazed at him, a frown on his face. "You're not telling me something. I can sense it. But whatever it is, whatever you do, I won't leave you, Ran."

"Not even if I kill Omi?"

The bound closed his eyes for a moment, and when they opened they were filled with tears and pain. "No, not even then. I think… I think I love him, but I won't leave you to suffer alone, Ran."

Unable to face the devotion that would damn his friend, Ran closed his eyes and sank on his bed, curling up as he lay down. Why did everything he touch have to die? His family… his sister… and now Nagi as well. The boy's nature would be found out, and he'd be killed at best.

The mattress sunk as Nagi settled next to him, and a hand stroked through his hair. "Why, Ran? Why won't you fight back? We have a chance here; two precogs have said so. We both have someone to love, who… cares for us too. You have Yohji. He's your mate. What's going to happen to him if you go through with the mission? He'll be hurt, possibly killed.…"

"Shut up." Ran lifted his head and glared at Nagi. "Shut the fuck up."

Nagi seemed shocked by his language, but he carried on. "He'll probably be killed, Ran. I don't think he'll let the Takatoris take you away, or hurt you anymore. They'll kill him, or treat him just like they did Aya-chan. And they'll do the same to me. Is that what you want? It's not just you anymore. Can't you fight for us, if not yourself?"

The plea reverberated in his head. Just the thought of Yohji suffering because of him filled Ran with a pain that he hadn't felt since the day his sister had died. He hurriedly did his best to block it from Yohji before the man stormed into the room, and then worked to clear his thoughts. That wouldn't come to pass, it wouldn't. He wouldn't allow that to happen, for anything to harm Yohji or Nagi. But, how to go about doing that?

Could he really trust Crawford and Cassandra? Ran had asked himself that question for the past two weeks. Who could he trust in all this confusion? Who wouldn't hurt him, wouldn't use him again? He couldn't take much more pain, not after these past few weeks free from it. The Takatoris had been cruel beyond words to allow him a taste of freedom and joy.

"Ran, are you alright?"

It gradually dawned on him that Nagi was once more stroking his hair and was gazing at him worriedly. "Hn."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you like that. But I can't just let you give up, Ran, I can't. I want you to be free and happy, the same things you want for me."

This conversation had to end before Yohji realized something was wrong. Pulling on his mask, he sat up on the bed and straightened his clothes. Nagi gazed at him worriedly.

"We need to get downstairs. Omi and Yohji will suspect something if we leave them waiting much longer."

Flushing, Nagi rose to his feet and finished changing his clothes. Ran checked his appearance in the mirror, making sure that his face and eyes weren't red. The sadness in his eyes shocked him, and he pushed the emotion aside, much as he had done with pain over the years. Then he walked out of the room to go meet Yohji.

*******

Yohji sighed as he took in the packed dining room, having just hurried from his room after changing his clothes, and in a determined manner made his way to the corner where Aya and the others would be seated. He loved Schu like a brother, but if Naoe wasn't there to keep people from bothering Aya, and he found some moron by his lover…. He'd have to convince the judge that the homicide was all Schuldig's fault, somehow. The conversation had totally distracted him from the time, and Aya had to be upset about being made to wait for him. He'd felt… something from his mate earlier, but hadn't been able to clearly determine what it had been. But the emotion hadn't lasted long, so he hadn't gone charging off in search of Aya.

Doing his best to ignore the people trying to attract his attention, Yohji steadfastly walked towards his table. He was almost there when a small hand touched his shoulder and he smelled a familiar perfume. Turning around, he smiled in joy and picked up the slender woman garbed in black pants and a loose blouse.

"Lilla! How are you? Feeling better finally?" He treated his friend to a bear hug and then set her back on her feet. Once that was done, Yohji raked an assessing eye over the blond woman. "You've lost some weight. I'll tell Jo, so she can make sure you gain it back."

"Ah, Yotan, you always were a man who appreciated a few curves." A bluish green eye was winked at him and Lilla laughed, a low, melodic sound that had heads turning throughout the room. She tossed back a strand of curly hair and treated Yohji to a sultry smile.

Lilla was not the prettiest of his past lovers by far, but there was a quality to the woman that drew one's attention and made her stand out among a more beautiful crowd. Maybe it was her wicked sense of humor, her sparkling eyes or quick wit, but she was one of the few people who Yohji had slept with repeatedly. The woman was a couple years older than him and had a thriving business making candles. She claimed that she earned enough to support herself and refused to tie herself to any one person, just for the sake of security and propriety. It had been Lilla who he'd taken to bed after the whole Asuka debacle, and she had helped coax him from his depression with patience and care. Yohji felt a bit ashamed that he hadn't spared her much thought the past couple of weeks.

"Well, pneumonia is a wonderful diet, if you're interested. Nothing like being too sick to eat. Then on top of all that, as soon as I got better, I was swamped with work. All these visitors in the city need candles to light their rooms, and so on and so forth. Not to mention all the people wanting scented candles for parties. I can barely keep up with the orders, and this is the first time I've been out for fun in weeks."

Yohji gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm very glad to hear you're feeling better. Tell you what; drinks are on me this evening. You here by yourself?"

"No, with my cousins." Lilla wrapped her arms around Yohji's neck and stood on her toes to nuzzle his cheek. "Hmm, I missed you, Yotan. I came down here to let you know that Min should be in town sometime next week, and I was hoping the three of us could have some `fun' together."

Groaning inwardly, Yohji gently pried her arms off his neck. He adored Lilla, and normally the news of her and her friend paying him a visit would have him too excited for words, but all he felt now was affection for the woman.

"Listen, Lia, I hate to tell you this, but I'm going to pass on your delicious offer. I'm sorry."

Turquoise eyes stared at him incredulously for a moment, and Lilla frowned as she rocked back on her heels. "You know, Yotan, I've heard the funniest rumor lately. People are saying you've got yourself a boyfriend and haven't so much as looked at another person since meeting him. I thought it was mere trash, but now I'm wondering."

Knowing his friend deserved the truth, he nodded his head. "It's not a rumor. I've finally found him, Lilla, someone to love. I'm not sleeping around anymore."

"This is going to sound incredibly bitchy, Yohji, but I've heard those words before. Am I going to have to put you back together again when this one hurts you too?" Lilla stared back at him coldly.

"He's not _her_," Yohji snarled. "You think the thought didn't occur to me at the beginning?" Lilla seemed stunned by his serious tone. "Aya's not going to betray me, not in a million years. We love each other, for real. If you don't like that, you can go to hell."

Lilla stared at him for a moment, the frown back on her face. When she spoke, it was in a contrite voice. "You're serious, aren't you? Yohji, I'm sorry."

He shuddered for a moment then pulled her in for a hug. "Gods, Lia, tell me you understand, please. Besides the staff here, almost everyone thinks I've gone crazy, or that I'm just playing around and in a few more days will be back to screwing anything that moves. I need a friend to say that they believe me right now."

"Let me meet this man, Yotan. I want to see him for myself."

Pulling away, Yohji grabbed Lilla's hand and led her to his table. Aya was sitting there, his face impassive but his eyes staring at Yohji, and Naoe was by his side, glaring enough for the two of them. It suddenly occurred to him what it must have looked like, his conversation with Lilla.

"Aya, love, I want you to meet an old friend of mine. I've known Lilla for years, and this is the first time I've seen her in about a month. Lilla, I'd like for you to meet Aya. The little demon by his side is Naoe, and you know Omi."

"Pleased to meet you, Aya." Lilla bowed to the redhead, who wasn't saying a word. Yohji sighed and resolved to work on his lover's manners at some point. "I've heard a little about you, but the rumors don't do you justice. No wonder Yohji snatched you up."

Sliding onto the bench beside Aya, Yohji pinched the silent man on the hip.

"…Hn."

Yep, he definitely had to work on his cat's social skills. Biting back on a sigh, Yohji gently tilted Aya's chin up so he could kiss the man on the lips. Aya remained still for a moment, but he soon opened his mouth and kissed him back, threading his fingers through Yohji's hair and making him shiver in pleasure. When they broke apart several minutes later, Aya rested his head on Yohji's shoulder, and he grasped a pale hand, entwining their fingers together. A content smile on his lips, Yohji glanced over at his friend.

Lilla was staring at him, a wistful smile on her face. "I really am sorry, Yohji. I was talking complete trash, though I didn't know it. I'll take you up on the offer for drinks, and think I'll rejoin my cousins. But perhaps we can sit down one night, the three of us, and talk a little. Aya, it was a pleasure to meet you." Waving her hand, the young woman disappeared into the crowd.

"What was that about?"

Stroking Aya's hair, Yohji didn't bother to look over at Naoe as he answered. "Like I said, she's an old friend. She had some doubts about something, but not anymore." He kissed Aya on his forehead. "Sorry I'm late, the talk with Schu took a little longer than I thought. Now where's the food?"

"It should be here soon, Yotan." Omi replied. "Why isn't Schuldig joining us for dinner?"

"He has a few things he needs to take care of." For a moment Yohji felt sad, thinking of how much he'd miss the thief and hoped that Schuldig didn't stay away for too long. Though, with his newly discovered nature, he wasn't sure what exactly `long' was anymore. Luckily, the food arrived, distracting Yohji from his thoughts. He gave Aya's hand one more squeeze, and then turned his attention towards the meal.

Dinner passed by pleasantly, filled with good food and conversation. Yohji, Aya and Naoe divided several bottles of wine between them, and even Omi dared a glass, but no more than that. The discussion was mainly his and Omi's effort, but Aya and Naoe weren't as quiet as they usually were, and Yohji was perfectly content just sitting there with Aya by his side. He wanted to have many more nights like this and wondered desperately how he was to go about making that happen. Once Aya agreed to stay, he was pretty sure the little demon would too. Perhaps he should be enlisting Omi's help in that regard.

Once they finished eating, Omi regaled them with tales of all the activity going on about the castle, and how frazzled all the servants were, considering the endless cleaning to do and the arrival of demanding dignitaries. Not long afterward, Koyu appeared, garbed in his usual red, and started to play his harp. The first few songs were soothing melodies, meant to help the patrons unwind from their busy day. This was around the time Aya and he would normally depart to his bedroom, where they would work on honing his powers and then enjoy each other before falling asleep. But Yohji remained at the table, even when he felt Aya shift beside him.

Sensing the man's curiosity, he smiled at his lover. "I want a dance from you tonight."

Aya didn't appear happy at those words and frowned. He practically radiated unease. "Yohji… I don't know how."

"Hmm, to dance?" Somehow he wasn't surprised. Aya really had spent too much of his life locked away and deserved to live a little. "I'll pick a slow song, and I'll teach you. It's pretty simple, really."

Plainly doubtful about the whole endeavor, Aya didn't say anything else, just reached for his glass of wine, sipping it as Koyu started to play more upbeat music that people could dance to. A section of the large room was immediately cleared; tables were pushed aside for room to dance. Koyu started off the session with a couple of lively songs.

As soon as the Harper slowed the tempo down, Yohji was on his feet and dragging a reluctant Aya after him. He found them some space off to the side, mindful of his love's dislike for crowds.

"Okay, for starters you put your hands here and here." He placed one of Aya's hands on his shoulder and held on to the other. Pulling the man close, Yohji graced a pale nose with a kiss, earning himself a glare. "Come on, it's not so bad. All we're gonna do is a simple waltz, and that's just a few steps."

"I don't know how, Yohji."

"Aya, trust me, and everything will be fine."

Violet eyes stared at him at those words, wide and shining with emotion. Yohji found himself drowning in them, and the sense of Aya he always had suddenly intensified. He sensed the kage's dislike of all the people around him, moving about and laughing, of the attention they were attracting, and his nervousness. But underneath it all was apprehension and longing and fear, a roiling mixture that had Yohji lifting a hand to softly caress Aya's cheek.

"Trust me, please. I won't let anything hurt you. Just let me lead."

Aya continued to stare at him. "I don't know how, Yohji." His voice was quiet and low, thrumming with intensity.

He suddenly got the impression that they weren't talking about dancing anymore. Something more important was happening here, and all Yohji knew for certain was that Aya was afraid, but desperately longing for something with all his heart.

"I know you don't, cat. Just… follow me. I promise you I won't lead you wrong. Trust me, Aya. Believe in me."

The smaller man bowed his head, and Yohji gathered him in his arms, making soothing sounds as he stroked his hands down a trembling back. "Trust me, please." They remained like that for several heartbeats, and people were stopping their dancing and staring at them. Yohji glared at them over Aya's head.

Aya held on to him tightly, and then released him and stepped back. He put his hands back in the proper positions and gazed up at Yohji, his face solemn. "I trust you."

"Good." This was definitely about more than just a dance. The apprehension was still there, but Aya's fear and longing were gone, and the man seemed at peace. Yohji bent his head for a quick kiss and grasped his love's hand tightly.

"Alright, it's one, two, three, and turn." He spun Aya around, startling a gasp from him. "That's all, just those few steps. Easy, ne?"

All he got was a brief nod of a crimson head and had to smile as Aya nibbled on his lip, staring down at his feet. Yohji could all but hear the man mentally count each step. They proceeded slowly for a few minutes, but when Aya no longer was looking downward all the time, Yohji spun him around faster.

He got a glare for his presumption, but Aya managed to keep pace with him and molded his body against Yohji's. They moved in perfect synch, eyes locked on each other's and somehow they avoided colliding with anyone else. Yohji wasn't aware of anything other than the music and Aya, of the warm body in his arms and the lovely eyes gazing at him, shining with love. It was almost a physical blow when the music stopped, causing the two of them to come to a halt.

"I'll resume playing after a short break." Koyu rose from his chair and flashed Yohji a grin. It was then he realized that Aya and he had danced for more than one song, if the Harper's first set was completed. As the crowd returned to their tables, he tugged on Aya's hand, heading to the bedroom.

Neither of them said a word the whole way. As soon as they were in their room, Yohji once again hugged Aya close and groaned as his head was jerked down for a searing kiss. His hunger, which had been sated from their garden tryst, flared to life, and Yohji found himself stripping off their clothes with frantic urgency. He needed Aya so much, needed to be inside the pale man and filled with sunlight, had to have him now.

Aya matched his mood, helping to toss aside their clothes and tugging him towards the bed. They fell down in a delicious tangle of limbs, the contact a balm to his senses. The feel of Aya's skin against his and the scent of roses made Yohji's world perfect. The two of them rolled about on the bed as they kissed, until he was dizzy and couldn't tell who was on top and who wasn't.

It was like it had been in the garden, a haze of desperation and desire, but something felt different. Now, Aya seemed desperate for reassurance, and Yohji was only too happy to try and soothe his love's fears. Deep, breath stealing kisses, gentle caresses, whispered words of love… whatever Aya needed, he was going to give the man. So when Aya pulled him down on top of him, Yohji was perfectly delighted to twist and stroke his fingers inside him until Aya was mewling with pleasure, and he himself was trembling with want. Sitting back on his heels, he turned Aya around and pressed him onto his lap, thrusting himself deep inside the clenching warmth.

Sunlight poured into him once more, setting Yohji on fire. Needing to share the bliss filling him, his hands roamed over Aya's body. He stroked the man's cock, making Aya fling back his head and hoarsely call out his name. Latching on to the pale neck, Yohji continued his torment, tweaking puckered nipples, lightly skimming his fingers along over-sensitive skin, all the while burying himself as deep inside his mate as he could, hitting that spot that sent waves of pleasure through them both.

If only they could halt time and remain like this forever, filled with bliss and lost in each other. All too soon, Yohji felt his body shudder as the ecstasy became too much. His senses overloaded and his body flooded with sunlight, he cried out Aya's name as he thrust in one more time, his seed flowing inside his lover. Aya came as well, his body clamping down on Yohji's shaft, one more bit of bliss that threatened to make him black out.

Somehow they ended up on the bed, lying down on their sides, Aya spooned against his chest. Yohji just inhaled their scents, smiling at how intermingled they were, blended with each other's. He rubbed his cheek against crimson strands, loving the feel of silk against his skin, and sighed in contentment.

After several minutes, he tugged on Aya's shoulder, wanting to see his love. Grumbling, Aya turned around, pausing to grab a shirt as he did so. Yohji raised an eyebrow when he noticed it was his own that was being used as a towel.

"That's my shirt, you know."

All he got was a hn and an arched eyebrow on Aya's part. Then the redhead tossed it aside and snuggled against Yohji. Warm breath hit his chest, causing him to shiver and wrap his arms around Aya. This was heaven. He was beginning to think that Aya had fallen asleep when the man started to speak.

"My father was a disgraced noble who became a seneschal for a lord. He loved to read and spent all his spare time doing so. My mother would spend her days in the garden tending it. She was a bit distant, so my sister and I were always off by ourselves. Very few people associated with us, but we were happy. Then one day my parents didn't come home and everything changed.

"We were told they were killed by bandits, but it was really the lord who had done it… all because of me. He had my parents killed so he could have a kage and pretended to be our friend long enough to get my sister and me in his custody. Once that happened, she was locked away in a room, warded with death against ever stepping foot outside it. My powers were still undeveloped at that time; all I could really do was break through wards and I was immune to spells. I could've escaped, but not without her."

Yohji went still as he realized that Aya was finally revealing his past, pouring out his secrets to him. He hugged his mate close, stroking his hand through Aya's hair to soothe the distress and pain that filled the man.

"I was taught to fight, to handle a sword and any other weapon. I was also taught my place, which was to be a slave, a useful tool. Not to talk or strike back, not to feel anything, not to even think of disobeying an order. They would beat me to teach me this, and if I failed to learn quickly enough, they hurt my sister. I couldn't stand her pain, knowing it was because of me. So, I did what they wanted.

"This went on for years. Until the day my sister decided that she couldn't take anymore our pain, and that one of us deserved to be free. I was out practicing with my sword when it happened. I heard her call out my name and saw her leap from her window. For a precious few seconds, it looked as if she was flying." Aya trembled in his arms, and Yohji hugged him closer.

"I can still see her lying on the ground, broken and bleeding. It was the first time I'd seen her up close in over a year. I stood there, stunned, in too much pain to move. After a few minutes, I felt her pain as well, even though she was dead."

Aya leaned back to stare into Yohji's eyes. "My masters… two of them are wizards. They trapped her soul in a glass cage with a soul gaki. They had planned that far ahead, determined not to let me escape by any means. Her sacrifice had been for nothing. I can't strike back at them, or run away, because she'll be the one to pay the price. Her soul will be devoured if I do those things. What hope do I have of being free?"

"Love…" Yohji kissed Aya tenderly and then stroked back his bangs. "We'll figure something out, I swear it. There has to be something we can do to free her. They've thought of everything in regards to you, but you're not alone now. You have friends, and you have me."

The look in his lover's eyes was so incredibly sad and wistful. "I'm not done, Yohji. You want me to stay here with you, to trust you. You have to know it all. I've killed people, so many of them: young, old, male, and female. Whomever I was ordered to. In whatever way I was told to. I'm a murderer many times over.

"I'm here for the wedding, Yohji, but not as a gift. I will be the king's kage, but only after I kill the present one, and his bride and son. I'm to be their deaths. Even Omi's."

Yohji felt a bubble of laughter in his throat as he realized what exactly Aya was telling him. Unable to control himself, he started to laugh, hysteria taking him in its grip. Aya pulled away, clearly confused over his reaction. As for himself, he couldn't believe the tricks Fate insisted on playing on him.

"To kill the king. You're here to kill the king." What, couldn't he fall in love with anyone not intent on regicide? "Oh, it all makes perfect sense now." History did indeed love to repeat itself, and his earlier fears upon discovering Aya's true nature hadn't been unfounded. Lucky him, he wasn't unduly paranoid for nothing. Yohji continued to laugh until he felt Aya's growing panic, the emotion making him suddenly sober. For a moment he wondered what was expected of him now, if he was supposed to kill another lover. It would be far easier for him to commit suicide than to harm Aya.

"Answer me this, Aya. Did you really choose me as a lover because I was a bound, or because I was a Guard?"

"Because you were a bound." There was no hesitation in his mate's voice, though a bit of confusion. Yohji smiled at him sadly.

"Are you still going to do it? Kill the king I mean?"

Aya sighed and rubbed a hand over his eyes. When he opened them, he picked at a lock of Yohji's hair, twisting it about his fingers as he nibbled on his lip.

"…no. I was going to, even up to today, but… I'd lose you if I did. I can't… can't let that happen." Aya gazed sadly at Yohji for a moment. "But maybe I already have."

The thought of losing the kage had Yohji clutching him to his chest and kissing him breathless. "No, no you haven't. I'm never leaving you, Aya," he panted out, a growl in his voice. "You're mine, even if I have to help you kill the king." It should appall him, how little he cared about the deaths of his king and former boss, but he'd gladly kill Manx and Shuuichi if it kept Aya safe and his.

Yohji decided he had a confession to make as well. "I told you about… Asuka, didn't I?" If Aya was revealing his secrets, it was time he did so too.

"A little."

"I told you I cared for someone a year ago, but that she betrayed me and died. It's a bit… more complicated than that." It should hurt, telling the grim details like this, but not when it was Aya who was doing the listening. "I fell head over heels for Asuka, gave up sleeping with other people for her, did whatever I could to make her happy, and at her request, one day sneaked her into the palace so she could see a court festival. It was then that I found out the truth. She was an assassin sent to kill the king, cloaked with a fake personality. As soon as she saw the king, "Asuka" died. In order to keep him and Omi safe, I had to kill her real personality."

He felt it when Aya went tense in his arms and immediately grew suspicious, especially when the redhead didn't meet his eyes.

"Aya… what are you hiding now? I can feel your guilt."

Violet eyes avoided his for a moment, and then Aya sighed and relaxed in his arms. "… my masters were the ones who sent her to kill the king." Then panic started to grow within the pale man. "You're the Guard, the one she used. They want you dead, Yohji. You killed Neu." Aya looked up at him, his face drawn with fear. "I've heard their plans for you."

"Not good, ne?" No, not judging by the fear and pain that filled Aya. "Don't worry, cat, they won't hurt me. Besides, I owe them for what they've done to you and your sister. They won't harm either of us."

Aya didn't seem to be convinced by his declaration, no matter how much Yohji caressed and tried to soothe him. Rolling onto his back, he pulled Aya onto his chest, his hand cupping a delicate cheekbone as his thumb brushed against his lover's lips.

"Why are you telling me this now, Aya? Not that I'm complaining, I'm happy you've told me the truth. But, why now? Why not earlier, when I asked you?"

"Because… you wanted me to trust you. Because, I decided to do so. I've made my choice, but it…" Aya closed his eyes and rested his chin on Yohji's chest. "You ask too many questions."

The hint of annoyance in the smaller man's voice made Yohji smile, ever so slightly. He tugged on an eartail, making Aya glare at him. "'But it…'?"

"… it hurts so much. We have to save her, Yohji. The thought of her suffering any more pain tears at me, but I can't face having both of you pay for what I am, for you both to suffer."

Yohji instantly tried to soothe the distress his mate was feeling. "I promise, we'll free the both of you. Hell, I'll even free the little demon, too. Schu and Cass will help, as will everyone here at the Koneko. And I think we can trust your friends Brad and Farfie also." A smile tugged at Yohji's lips, and he wanted to suddenly shout with joy. He'd done it, he'd given Aya hope, more or less. He'd gained Aya's trust, and he wasn't going to do anything to break the precious gift he'd just been given. "I love you, you know."

"Why? I'm a monster, Yohji. A murderer. I don't deserve your love."

The worst part of it was that Aya was perfectly serious; Yohji felt his emotions through their link. The other man was confused, sad and wistful, and those feelings shone in his eyes. Yohji sighed and tugged on an eartail. Now irritation joined the mix.

"Listen to me, you're gorgeous, loyal, intelligent, drop dead sexy, have a great body and an amazing voice, and you make me happy. Of course I love you. Say another word about being a monster, and I'll yank on your hair until you're bald." He and his big mouth. Why had he picked that one word that night?

Aya glared at him and growled, ever so slightly. Ignoring the threat, Yohji used the eartail wrapped around his fingers to pull Aya close for a kiss. He didn't stop until the stubborn fool melted against him and purred in pleasure.

"Okay, it's your turn now."

All he got in return was a blank look. Yohji rolled his eyes in response.

"You have to tell me why you love me." He yanked on the strand of hair in his grasp. "And don't even think to tell me you don't love me, because I can feel it. Not to mention you wouldn't have told me what you just did if you didn't."

Aya's glare became rather potent, enough to make Yohji shiver, but then he started to talk. "You're oversexed-"

"That's not my fault, you know. And what does that have to do with why you love me?"

The glare went up a notch. Yohji figured it would be best if he shut up for a minute. "You interrupt me, annoy me, yank on my hair when I tell you not to…." Aya paused to liberate his eartail, earning a `hmph' from Yohji for doing so. "Hog the bed, bully me, and torment my friend."

He couldn't resist asking the question once again. "Uhm, what does this have to do with why you love me?"

Yohji wasn't expecting Aya to sigh and close his eyes, once more resting his head on his chest. Hit him maybe, and certainly glare at him some more, but not that. The room was silent for several minutes as he tried to puzzle out Aya's mood.

"Because no matter what you do, I still love you. I can't make myself stop, and each day… it just becomes stronger. Until my fear of you being hurt overwhelms all my others." Aya opened his eyes and regarded him sadly. "I can't fight it any longer."

Yohji remembered the feeling of surrender that had emanated from Aya in the garden earlier, and then again during the dance this evening. Both times the man had completely given himself over to him. He wondered if that had anything to do with Aya's decision and felt a resolve grow inside his heart. Aya was never going to regret trusting him.

Pulling Aya close, this time by cupping the back of his head and urging him forward, Yohji brushed their lips together. "I don't care why you love me, just as long as you do. As long as you never leave me. Tomorrow we'll sit down and start thinking about ways to save your sister, and free you and Naoe. We'll manage it, cat, I promise you."

"Tomorrow?" Aya shivered in his arms, and he could feel his mate's love, need and desire. It only made those emotions burn all the brighter in his own chest.

Yohji huskily replied to the question. "Yes, tomorrow. Tonight… it'll just be us and bliss, again and again." His hunger rose to the fore, and Yohji knew it wasn't going to be so easily sated. Each taste of sunlight only made him crave Aya all the more. "Just us."

Aya didn't say a word, but merely tilted his head to the side, baring his throat. Yohji fastened his mouth to the pale skin, a purr building inside his chest as he did so, and set out to prove to Aya that his word could be trusted.

*******

Yuriko stood before the door, dressed in a gown of yellow, embroidered with green and blue flowers. Ken, who had just walked out of the kitchen, stared at his girlfriend in confusion.

"Why are you dressed up?"

"Because I'm going out." Yuriko stepped close to him and handed him the necklace he'd given her a year ago, the one with a blue crystal on a silver chain. "Do this for me, please."

Obliging, Ken fastened the jewelry as soon as she pulled her hair out of the way. "Where are you going?"

"To the Koneko."

It took a moment for the words to sink in, and when they did he started to frown, especially when he noticed the teasing grin on the young woman's face.

"No."

"Yes. Listen, Ken, I'm not making you come with me. I talked to Liss earlier, and she and Miko will be there. They'll keep an eye on me and bring me home. But I refuse to stay here all night and listen to you talk about work and sports and complain about Omi sneaking away from you yet again when I can be out having fun. But what I'd really like is for you to come with me. You said you're not mad at Yohji anymore, and that he's cleaned up his act. So please, let's go."

He hated to deny Yuriko anything, and his girlfriend knew that. But Ken still felt uncomfortable facing Yohji again, after all their fights and the things they'd said to each other. Rumor did have it that the blond wasn't drinking himself silly any longer and had indeed settled down with Aya, the redhead Ken had briefly met. The issue now was pride, and while Ken didn't have much, he certainly had a hell of a lot of that. It was one thing he and Yohji had in common.

"Please, Ken-kun? I'll be ever so happy if you come with me." Yuriko wound her arms around his neck and kissed him on the chin. Gods, why was he such a pushover? Omi could learn things from the woman.

"Alright, I'll come. But if Yohji and I start to fight, or he makes another move on you, I'm killing him and then rubbing your nose in that fact for the rest of our lives. Agreed?"

"Agreed!" Laughing gleefully, Yuriko tugged at his wrist, pulling him after her. Glad that he'd changed out of his uniform into something decent for once, Ken sighed and let himself be led. He might regret this at the end of the night, but the truth was, he'd missed a certain drunken lout an awful lot this past year.

*******

Yoru smiled wolfishly as he entered the palace through a seldom-used side entrance. It seemed that Botan's assistants were only too happy to use bound blood to lighten their workload. Thanks to the charm he wore around his left wrist, he could safely circumvent any wards that had been renewed with the blood. And when the time came, he could lower said wards and let Eto's mercenaries enter the palace undetected.

The best part of it all was the fact that Botan wouldn't be able to sense a thing. If he checked his assistants' work, he would only be able to detect that the wards had indeed been renewed. It would take an intensive spell to divine how the young men had gone about doing that, and he knew the Royal wizard didn't have time at the present to do just that.

Cautiously making his way through the palace, down hallways he hadn't treaded in over a century, Yoru made his way to the ballroom. Eto's informants were certain that Botan hadn't renewed the wards there yet, and he didn't know what he'd do if they were wrong. Fate was already conspiring against him in so many ways; it would be yet another crushing blow if it did so again.

Finally reaching his destination, Yoru sighed in relief. The wards hadn't been renewed. Good. There was no way he could incorporate bound blood in the renewal, not with Botan's prejudices, but he could do something about the wards before then. Yoru reached inside his robes for a silver flask. Inside the container was a very precious, very rare fluid.

He'd used up all of his saved kage blood within a year of Aidan's death, but he'd managed to hold onto one relic over the decades. Yoru had cast a ring, the black stone a kage's tear infused with the creature's blood, and had used it to travel about undetected. Only the hope of finding another kage had given him the strength to crush the stone and mix it with the last of the blood from Eto's bound. For a moment, gnarled hands clenched around the flask as Yoru thought of how inconvenienced he was by the creature's death. He was reduced to sacrificing precious items, all on a gamble that Fate didn't seem inclined to support.

Cursing softly under his breath, he set to work. A drop of the rare fluid was placed on each ward's focal point, glowing briefly before being soaked up by the marble floor and paneled oak walls. Yoru incanted the proper spell, beseeching various spirits to heed his request. Attracted by the blood and tear, the immaterial beings flocked to the room and gave him the power to work magic. In a few minutes he was done and wiped the sweat from his brow, a grin on his face.

When Botan renewed the wards, he wouldn't be able to detect the new spell woven into them, all thanks to the kage blood and tear. Yoru had successfully managed that hurdle and would be able to let himself and the soldiers into the ballroom during the wedding festivities. However, his task was not yet complete.

Using the last of the fluid, he began to cast a new spell. This one was much darker and stronger, and it drained away the last of his energy to bend the magic and demons to his will. It took almost an hour, but Yoru finally managed to summon a cadre of oni and bind them to this room, waiting his bidding. Exhausted, he leaned against the wall and smiled again, his dry lips pulling back to expose yellowed teeth.

So, Fate thought to mock him once again, ne? Offering him his dream, only to snatch it away. Yoru had already felt things start to unravel with the bound's death. Well, he refused to allow that to happen, even if he had to slaughter everyone in the ballroom other than Lord Eto, Prince Masafumi and himself. If he had the slightest hint of things getting out of control, he would release the oni. And the spirit guardians, enraged at being drawn in by shinigami essence and trapped, would be indiscriminate creatures of destruction if and when he releases them. Very little could face oni and hope to defeat them, especially when they were enraged, and only shinigami were more powerful. Botan and any other wizards present might hope to stop a few of them, but he'd bound enough to ensure that some of them would manage to carry out his wishes.

One way or another, he would resume his former position of glory, if not Kritiker's throne, and have the power to regain his lost youth. Once everyone else was dead, he could force the kage's location out of young Masafumi, and then be able to break his oath to Eto. Nothing could deter his plans now, nothing. But if perchance Fate continued to play its tricks… there wouldn't be anyone left alive in his immediate vicinity. One way or another, Yoru was never going to be forgotten again.

Taking a few minutes to recover himself, he pulled the hood of his black robe over his head and shuffled down the building's labyrinth of hallways. Yoru had a specific destination in mind and had one more thread of intrigue to weave. He stroked the red ring on his hand, hoping it had enough power left to aid him in his final task of the night. Succubae-bounds were rare creatures, not as much so as kage or precogs, but never more than a handful seemed to be alive at the same time. They were extremely territorial creatures, and often destroyed their own kind in battles over a person or region. A shame that the last one he'd known about had managed to slip out of his grasp two decades ago before he could gain any blood to renew the charm. Yet another case of Fate being a fickle tease of a bitch.

Few people crossed his path, and none paid him any attention. If he'd gotten past the wards, he was meant to be there, and the palace was inundated with strangers. Who, along with many of the palace's residents, were off celebrating at one party or another. But he had been informed that his quarry had remained in his own rooms this night.

Finding the appropriate wing of the Guards' quarters to be quiet and dark, Yoru made his way to the proper door. He knocked twice and called upon the glamour of the ring.

A young man with gold hair and eyes, radiating strength and good health, opened the door. "Yes? Can I help you?

"Yuushi Honjyou?"

"Yes, who are you?"

His expression hidden behind the hood, Yoru smiled hungrily. "Someone who has a matter he'd like to discuss with you… concerning misplaced trust and new opportunities. May I come in?"

For a moment the young Guard wavered, clearly wanting to tell him to leave but the ring worked its magic. Nodding his head, Honjyou stepped aside to allow Yoru in.

*******

Kikyou looked at the report that Tsubaki had compiled for him. It seemed that there was no record of a redhead named Aya having lived along the Western border. Granted, it wasn't the most in-depth search, but someone like the pale man would stand out, and have been noticed by other people. Most likely, Aya was lying about where he'd come from.

He'd had to leave the redhead alone these past two weeks, after the disastrous encounter in the bookstore. Kikyou couldn't afford any rumors of him fighting with Kudoh over another man, in public of all places, to circulate. Not until he became the new Captain of the Guard. But Manx had finally given him the news today, and that meant he could once again begin his `courtship'.

Who was Aya, really? A runaway concubine? His agents had reported that the Koneko had adopted the man and his servant, as the inn often did for those in unfortunate straits. Their cook had been a battered wife, their servers a runaway, a former child prostitute, and an abused child, and their stable-master a former soldier fallen on hard times. Something bad had to have happened to Aya that he had been so readily accepted by that crowd.

Which must be why the man was so shy around him. Kudoh had gained his trust somehow, it was up to Kikyou to do the same. There hadn't been many things that had attracted his attention to this extent, and with his revenge in reach and the position he'd coveted his, Aya was the only thing left for him to win. Kikyou wasn't going to stop until the man was his. Something about the beautiful face, that slender and graceful body filled him with lust and want. With his beauty, grace and quiet nature, Aya also reminded him of his sister. He was worth this effort.

He'd been going about it all wrong, trying to entrap the man. Smiling to himself, Kikyou put aside the piece of paper and turned his attention to possible ways to win Aya's affections. This was proving to be an interesting challenge. Good.

*******

Masafumi held his glass of sherry before his eyes, letting the flames of the fire reflect in the dark liquid. He contemplated the beauty before him for a moment then finished off the drink. As soon as he did so, Schoen hurried to his side and refilled the glass for him. Offering the lovely woman a heavy lidded smile, Masafumi tilted his head to the side and tapped his right forefinger against the glass three times. She nodded her head in understanding and quietly left the room. Only he, Hirofumi and Hel remained. Soon enough, he would join his ladies in his quarters, and pass the night rather pleasantly.

"Why are we just sitting here? We received the pardon days ago and are free to return to the capital at any time. Why does Father insist on waiting another couple of weeks? The wedding will be in little more than a month."

Ah, how he hated to repeat himself, even to his own blood -- especially to his own blood. Masafumi gritted his teeth for a moment, and Hel immediately took station behind his chair and started to massage his shoulders. Her hands soothed his tense muscles, and Masafumi wondered where would he be without his ladies.

"Because he doesn't want us to appear overeager. Let the people think that we remained away for so long by our own desires and show that we much prefer our quaint little estate to the capital." He paused to sip the sherry, shivering lightly as the alcohol flowed down his throat. "Also, it will be in our favor later on, when we can point out that we were hardly in the capital long enough to arrange any plots against the king when Shuuichi and his bride die. You're a skilled hunter, Hiro, you should see the logic in what we're doing better than anyone."

His brother looked away from the window he'd been staring out of and flashed him a smile. Hirofumi was dressed in his hunting clothes, but the brown pants and olive green shirt were clean and unrumpled. Someone hadn't had the opportunity to hunt this day.

"I'm sorry, Masafumi. I shouldn't be whining to you, but I'm bored. I can't go on any hunts, not while that infernal Guard dawdles in the next village over, `nursing' his horse's injured hoof. There was nothing wrong with that damn beast when he was sent on his way, I know that for a fact."

"You would know, brother." Hiro was the one interested in animals and other creatures, and he derived much pleasure in hunting and breaking them. Every single horse in the stable quivered in fear when he entered the barn. As for himself, Masafumi couldn't care less about the things, other than to use them as experiments for his spells. He was hoping to merge together humans and animals, much like the ancient wizards had done with humans and spirits, and had made some small headway in that regard. One day he hoped to have an army of creatures as strong as bounds, but easier to control.

But both his spells and Hirofumi's hunts had been put on hold due to the nearby presence of a Guard. The man was obviously remaining in the area, in hopes of uncovering something, but he'd have to go home in defeat soon. No one in this area would be foolish enough to speak out against Prince Reiji and his sons. Anyone who'd have the backbone had been killed already. The kage had been very busy, ridding the family of any and all irritants these past few years.

Thinking of the kage, Masafumi wondered if that was the solution to his brother's most recent sulk. "You do know that you'll have to curb your activities while we're in the capital, don't you? There will be no hunting or games there either."

"Yes, I'm aware of that. But we'll be one step closer to our goal, and then I'll be able to have all the fun I want." An expression of hunger and lust crossed over his brother's face, and he felt the hands on his shoulders shudder slightly.

"Besides, there is one creature I'll be able to play with when we arrive. We need to check up on our kage and make sure he remembers his place, with the time away from us. I look forward to reminding him."

The lust overpowered the hunger, and Masafumi had one of his suspicions confirmed. His brother did indeed desire the creature as something other than a vessel to just whip and cut. He himself did not care one way or another for his brother's tastes, as the creature was lovely, and there was a family precedent of taking the things. Then again, he had his ladies and was more than content with them. But their father….

It occurred to him that he now had some leverage to use against his brother when he made his move on their father. Reiji wasn't going to be the new king, he was. …Or perhaps he'd let Hiro have that position. Masafumi didn't really care for the throne, but merely wanted the old man's death in revenge. Yes, he'd let his brother have the throne, and no doubt Hiro would busy himself with raping the kage and hunting down his new subjects. He much preferred to focus his attentions on his magic and had all he needed with Hel, Schoen and Tot by his side. If only Neu was still there as well.

"I have no problem with you playing with the kage, just leave him enough blood for my spells. And I might need your hunting skills as well, but don't mention it to Father, please."

Hirofumi walked over to his side and poured himself some sherry. His brother regarded him intently, his eyes flicking to the side to watch Hel for a moment, and then resumed staring at him, a knowing smile on his lips.

"Father won't like it if you go off on a personal vendetta of your own and track down a certain Guard. At least, that's what I'm assuming you're planning."

Masafumi patted Hel's hands, which had stilled. "Don't worry, Hiro, I won't jeopardize things before the wedding. I just want to find the man. It will be more enjoyable to make him pay after the event, when I'll have more time on my hands."

"I understand."

Ah, he could always count on his brother. Reaching over to pour the both of them more sherry, Masafumi graced his sibling with his most charming smile.

"I think… that we both have certain objectives in mind, ones that perhaps Father wouldn't approve of." The old man was adamantly against same sex relationships and `fouling' oneself with any lowly creatures. Either because of or in spite of his attraction to the deceased sword master, he could never tell. Masafumi certainly received enough grief over his ladies, and they weren't even bounds. No, magically enhanced a bit, but not actual bounds. He was Hiro's only hope of claiming the prize he sought. "It would be best if we stuck together, don't you think?"

"Yes, completely." Hirofumi clinked their glasses together and raised his in a salute before returning to stare out the window. Leaning back in his chair, Masafumi resumed contemplating the visions found within dancing flames.

A little more than a month, and he would look back on his exile as an old nightmare. No longer would he and his brother have to pay for their father's folly. What had the man been thinking, to rape his own sibling's wife like that? Reiji deserved his fate, but not Hirofumi and he. The man had plotted long to regain the throne he lost through his own foolishness, but he'd never have it.

No, Reiji owed him a life, and Masafumi was going to collect. Poor, quiet Neu had paid for yet another of his father's poor decisions. He knew that his father had ordered one of his ladies to assassinate the king last year because he held them to be more… disposable than their kage. The fool. His ladies were special creatures, utterly devoted to him, and Masafumi would not let them be idly misused or destroyed. To add fuel to the fire, Reiji hadn't cared one bit when Neu had been killed, other than being upset at his thwarted plans. He'd even made the comment that there was one less whore to roam about his castle. Masafumi knew his father hated his ladies for their abilities and the love they shared when he was occupied, but to have one of them pay for the man's prejudices…

Yes. First his uncle and possibly his sibling would die, then his father soon afterward. The fool forgot that it was Masafumi who often held the sphere that contained the soul of the kage's sister, and that he had been the one to make the object in the first place. He could very easily remove his father from the spell, thus enabling the kage to kill the man. The creature would probably relish that order. And once Hiro was on the throne, there was a certain Guard who was going to pay for killing Neu. He and the ladies were so looking forward to that event.

*******

Schuldig walked into his mother's sitting room and let out a loud sigh as he fell down onto the couch. "Great, another family reunion, just what I needed."

Crawford, whose tea had spilled over his hand when the couch had been jostled, glared at him. "I swear you can't be mine."

"For the final time, he is." Cassandra rose from her seat and in a blinding flash smacked both men on their heads. "You're both idiots. Can we get this over with before I kill the two of you?"

Both men fidgeted under the stern look they were receiving, and in unison turned to glare at each other. Schuldig stuck his tongue out at his father, causing the older bound to sigh, and after setting his teacup aside, bury his face in his hands.

"So, what's with the meeting? You guys have something new to report?"

Cassandra settled back in her chair and poured herself some more tea. "How did your discussion with Yotan go?" She poured another cup, and handed it to him.

For a moment Schuldig reflected on the pain he'd felt in Yohji when he'd announced his plans to leave the capital after the wedding. It warmed him to feel the man's affection and concern for him, but even after he'd convinced himself that there would never be anything between them other than friendship, it still hurt that they'd never be lovers. His feelings would never be returned.

"Yotan was a little upset and made me promise I'd be back one day. I still can't pick up anything from him now, other than faint impressions of his emotions. That can't be good."

"It's clearly the kage's influence. Speaking of which, I take it you still can't enter his mind, either?"

Waving a hand at his father, Schuldig frowned and sipped the hot beverage. Cass had made him green tea, his favorite. Guess she wasn't that upset with him being jealous of her new boyfriend, then. "No, not at all. It seems that Yohji's the only one who can use his power to influence Aya, and he hasn't honed it strongly enough yet to force Aya to remain with him. Else he'd have done it already." Hmm, maybe his mother was feeling a bit guilty about finding a lover and was trying to make it up to him. That left open some interesting possibilities. Schuldig didn't mind her having found someone, in fact he felt better about leaving her now, he just wished it wasn't a wizard. But he'd use her guilt to his benefit none-the-less. It had been ages since he'd had any currant scones, and he needed a few new shirts….

"Damn. I was hoping that was how Yohji was going to win Aya's `trust', but it doesn't appear so. The stubborn fool. We're offering him a chance at happiness, and he's blindly clinging to his life as the Takatoris' slave." Crawford lifted his head and removed his glasses, furiously cleaning them with the napkin on his lap.

Frowning, Cassandra replaced her cup on its saucer and once more scowled at her former lover. "He's been hurt, terribly so. You remember how Jei was when you were first made partners, and how I was when I arrived in Esset. It's so very hard to believe that another person is sincere, when all one is used to is pain and torment. Give him time."

"We don't have much of it left, Cass." Crawford's eyes grew unfocused. "Yoru is descending into madness as we speak, and everything tied to him is drenched with blood. One of the Guards is being pulled into the web even now, and much rests on whether or not he honors his oath. The crown prince is ours, as is Yohji, but Aya still wavers, casting the future in doubt."

"Don't forget about the other wizard," Schuldig added. He glanced over at his mother, and saw her blush. "How are things going on that front? Will I have a new papa soon?"

A teaspoon was tossed at his head, and only his quick reflexes enabled Schuldig to catch it centimeters from his face. It was Cass's turn to stick out her tongue. "I'm surprised you haven't scared him off yet, Trouble. I have no choice about you being my child, woe is me, and can't imagine anyone willingly choosing you. But to answer your first question, he's coming along fine. I sense no animosity in him towards bounds, and he is very powerful. One of the most powerful wizards I've ever come across. I feel we can count on him when the time comes."

This time it was a pair of grey eyes that grew unfocused. "Yes, the time comes. It will be soon now that he's entangled in the strands that tie us all together. Asks about bounds he does, and kage as well." Cassandra laughed and clapped her hands together. "If only he knew what was in those books you brought back the other day, Trouble. He'd have given his right arm for a chance to read them. No one knows more about bounds than a bound. But he'll be enlightened soon enough." She became serious once more and turned to look at Crawford. "How fares his child?"

"As far as I can tell, just fine. The Elders will keep her safe until the millennium anniversary." Schuldig and Cass looked on in amazement as a wicked smile curved the serious man's lips. "For all his protests, Jei would never have left her behind if he thought she'd be in danger. He's being even more stubborn than a certain kage in accepting what's being offered to him, but she'll win out in the end. The poor bastard." Crawford's tone carried no trace of sympathy, but a good deal of amusement. "I have the token she gave us, and I'm certain that it will sway her father when the time comes."

"Soon now, soon. Little more than a moon."

"Yes, and the wedding is just a precursor of things to come. Jei's been running himself ragged, trying to track down as many bounds as he can and warn them of what's to come. Should we fail on Summer Solstice, they'll flee the city before the new king can round them up. If we succeed…." Running a hand through his hair, Crawford appeared exhausted for a minute. "Most of them will go into hiding anyway, all to avoid the coming war. The Elders will soon start scouring the land, looking for as many bounds as they can find. But the word is being spread, to trust no one from Esset but a select few, and even though the land is a bit more accepting of bounds, to leave it now. It's going to be an interesting next few years."

Unable to resist, Schuldig snidely commented. "If we survive the next moon. I can't believe you're my father either; you're too depressing for words. Take my advice, and only worry about things as they come."

Blue eyes glowing with anger, Crawford turned to face his son. "Listen, you dimwit, if I took that approach to life, you'd never have been born. We see the future for a reason, boy, and have a responsibility to…." The lecture trailed off, and both Cass and Crawford closed their eyes and took a deep breath.

"What is it? What's happening?"

Cass was the first one to recover, and Schuldig felt his apprehension fade as the woman smiled at him. She wouldn't be so happy if it had been a bad vision.

"Yotan has done it, he's won the kage's trust. Aya has now chosen to tie his destiny with ours."

"Yes, and so much is now made clear. Granted," Crawford grumbled, "there is still much that remains hidden due to the kage's influence, but now that the future we're supporting has been chosen, it's become that much more possible."

Sighing, Cassandra once again smacked the elder bound on the head. "Bite your tongue, before you jinx the thing. There is much that needs to be done, and even more that can go wrong."

Stifling a chuckle at seeing his mother abuse someone even more than she did him, and happy that it was a prick who deserved it, Schuldig leaned forward and set his cup down on the coffee table. "Yes. We just have to worry about a couple of possible traitors in the Guards, a wizard finding out that a kage exists, another one that's going nuts and messing with things he shouldn't, conniving lords and an approaching apocalypse. What family doesn't have these problems?"

This time it was both precogs who smacked him.

*******