Red and Blue

By: Ochako107

Standard Disclaimer

Authoress' Notes: Normally I put this at the end of the chapters but I thought it would be good to forwarn you readers that this story is different from my usual stories. This one is more on the dark side with death, angst, blood, some foul language, and bittersweet romance. It's very sad but I think I wrote this in good taste. I'm proud of trying to get out of my safety zone of humor and fluffy romance! If you don't like this, go read one of my more happy stories. Anyway, enjoy this short piece for what it's worth and don't hesitate to leave a comment on my first dark story! Thank you so much!

UPDATE: I have revised this chapter since last time it was poor in grammar and had a lot of spelling errors. I hope it's a bit better!


"Why?" Kyo asked, his voice shaking with fear, wondering why on earth anyone would want to take her beautiful spirit away. "Why? Why? You idiot, you're not supposed to..." His chest felt heavy, his eyes stinging with heat. Everything around him was so void and here she was, curled over like a wilted flower. Her white kimono was stained with dark blood and the metallic smell of it flooded his nose. He wanted to cry but he just kept asking why as she stared up at him with glassy eyes. He gripped her hand tighter. "You're not supposed to...!"

"Shh..." She whispered holding his hand gently. "It's... it's okay. Please don't be mad." He paused as she stared up in wonder at his pain filled face. It was getting harder and harder to breathe as she went to reach for his face. 'So precious.' She thought. She never knew she'd be so in love with a man. All she did was burden him... but she was glad she was able to be with him. To meet him. To fall in love with him. She smiled gently, a tear escaping her eye as the creases deepened at the corner of her eyes. "I'm glad you came, Kyo." She looked beyond him as bursts of color exploded in the sky. "It's such... a beautiful night. Don't you think?"

"How can you talk about the fireworks in a time like this?"

"I just wanted to... make you happy."

"Don't talk like you're not going to see night! Don't!" He shut his eyes as she turned her head slightly toward him again. "Don't leave me. I... I just..."

"I'll never leave you."

With that one sentence he opened his eyes to stare at her. She was still smiling though blood splattered on her face, her skin illuminating in the firework display, looking so deathly pale. She reached up to grasp the hilt of his sword with both hands and she gently placed her palms on it. Kyo choked back his sobs. So many years of training, why couldn't he control his tears? He watched as she caressed the sword.

"Live... and protect with this sword. Never part with it, Kyo." Her hands shook and he quickly grasped them again in his warm hands, wanting to stop the shaking. Her small hands were only growing colder. "It's not the weapon that does evil; it's the one who wields it. You are not evil Kyo. If anything, it's me."

"What are you talking about?" She stared blankly at him, trying to take one last breath. Even with all the pain surging through her body she remained smiling. She couldn't find her voice to answer him. He watched with wide eyes as her lips quivered. "Hey! Hey, come on!"

"Smile." She croaked as a firework lit up her tear stained face. "One more time... for me?"


Red

"Kyo!"

The young boy turned to see four darts heading straight toward him. He quickly blocked them with the sheath of his sword and simultaneously unsheathed it to show the sharp blade concealed within. The other boy then drew out his own katana and went in for an aerial attack. Kyo held the blade up, blocking the other boy's attack. They both flew apart before jumping back at each other with full force. The metal clashed again and again before Kyo slipped around his opponent and with one sweep drove the sword into his back. The other boy quickly read his move and threw his own sword behind him to block Kyo's move, throwing the orange top off.

They stopped feet away from each other. They both bowed to each other and then turned to their teacher.

"Very good boys. You've grown in skill and strength."

"Thank you teacher." They both said in unison. Kyo stared up and watched his opponent for a moment. He knew he was holding back his true strength during the spar, and Kyo did the same. It was a bit disappointing but still, he didn't want to hurt his fellow school mate.

The teacher released them for the sparring session. "You're dismissed for the day."

"Okay!"

Kyo and his friend ran away from the bamboo forest area, playfully trying to get ahead of one another while racing to the dojo.

"I'm totally going to beat you, Kyo!" His friend teased.

"In your dreams! I'll...!"

"Kyo!" The ten year old came to a dead stop and carefully turned around to face his teacher. Damn, he knew he should have gotten away faster. The older man watched the boy and finally smiled gently. "Your mother asked that you come home after practice."

Kyo exchanged glances with his friend and the other boy smiled. He began to back away while holding his katana behind his back cutely. "I'll catch up with you later, Kyo-chan."

"Don't call me that!"

The other boy laughed and only waved good bye to Kyo and his teacher before taking off. Kyo sighed as he watched him run away and Kyo turned to the gray haired man. Sometimes he wondered why he was picked on. The man watched him expectantly. Kyo smiled and nodded his head with enthusiasm. "I will go home, father."


"Mother! Mother, I am home!" Kyo announced while taking his slippers off.

"Kyo-sama, your mother is waiting for you in the prayer room." A servant said, coming to take care of Kyo's belongings. He handed his things to the man gratefully before going in search of his mother.

He wandered the halls before coming upon the prayer room. What did his mother need him to come home immediately for anyway? He cleared his throat and knocked gently on the wood frame. "Mother, I am home."

There was no response. Just before Kyo was about to announce himself again he heard the shifting of clothes and then his mother's soft voice.

"Come in, Kyo-kun."

Upon entering, the smell of incense and white plum wafted through the room. There hung on the walls scrolls of ancient writings and on the other side were altars for their ancestors. Placed in the center of the large room was his mother kneeling on a mat while doing a ritual prayer. He entered quietly and sat at the far corner to admire his mother's voice. She always performed ceremonies and prayers for the people of their kingdom. She was after all the high priestess.

While all of Kyo's friend's parents were florists, bakers, merchants, and even blacksmiths, Kyo's parents were out of the ordinary. His mother, Saki, was the high priestess and his father, Kazuma, was the Kingdom's top warrior. Not only that, but they were the king and queen of the Uflomi Kingdom!

It was quite a life being the prince of the Uflomi Kingdom with his parents being so important. Kyo was proud of his parents. They were both strong individuals that didn't take life for granted. They helped the people of the land, all the while performing their duties as royalties. He loved them so much and only had the utter most respect for them.

He watched as his mother put her sacred beads down and finally turn her full attention to him. She must have been the most beautiful woman in the land. With ebony tresses that flowed down her back in cascading waves of black, royal purple eyes, and the softest smile, Kyo was easily entranced by his mother. It was a wonder how his father came upon marrying such a beautiful person.

He bowed. "Hello Mother." He looked up as she beckoned him to her. He got up and went to her side. "What is it? Father told me I needed to come home after practice and that you wanted me to. Are you feeling ill?"

She looked away. "Perhaps."

Suddenly Kyo went on full alert as he looked over his mother's features. "What? What's the matter? What's wrong with you? You've never been sick a day in your life!" When she did not respond Kyo began to worry. "Mother?"

"I'm sick with worry."

"What?"

"That my son is going to be a brainless ox since all he does is wield that sword of his!"

Kyo nearly fell over as his mother smirked ever so slightly. "Mom, you had me worried that it was something serious!"

"But, Kyo-kun. This is serious." She grabbed her son and began hugging him relentlessly against her bosom. "My little boy must be well educated and learn mannerisms to someday rule this kingdom, just as his father does."

"I am doing well in school, mother." Kyo said hurriedly while trying to pull himself off the priestess. His mother was normally so serious and reserved, maybe even dare he say, spooky, but when it was just him and his mother, she would coo him relentlessly and baby him. No magic that she would raise from her powers, just honest love and care. It was annoying, and yet at the same time he was glad his mother made time to spend with him. Not only did his parents take care of the kingdom, but they took good care of their child as well.

Kyo went to grab a scroll and some ink before demonstrating his calligraphy to his mother. "See? I've been practicing." He wrote his name beautifully and smiled at his work. He looked up. "Are you looking, mother?" Upon looking at his mother, he found her contently staring at him. "Ah! M-mother, what...?"

"You're so handsome, Kyo-kun. Not only are you exceeding in martial arts and schooling, but you are growing so handsome as well!"

Kyo looked away a bit flushed as his mother sent waves of embarrassment through him. "Mother!" He complained. Saki only laughed before patting her son on the head. Such a good boy.

"I think your writing is very nice. Now, show me your mannerism by escorting me to the garden, okay? Perhaps you'd show me something your father has taught you today."

Kyo's eyes lit up at the thought of showing his mother what he'd learned. He stood up quickly. "Yeah, okay, Mother!" He put his hand down to help her off the floor and went to open the door as his mother walked before him.

He escorted her to the garden as his mother sat on the wooden floors. "Is this okay?" Kyo asked looking at the location. He placed his mother where the trees shaded the area and there was a full view of the beautiful cherry blossomed tree in the middle of the large garden.

Saki patted the wood with her hands and look around before nodding. "This is perfect. Thank you. Now, come, show me what your father taught you."

Kyo happily complied with his mother's wish and went through his stretching before showing her a few moves. He went on and on, forgetting that he was only supposed to be showing his mother a few moves as he went through some of the more complicated combos he'd seen his father do.

Saki watched her son as she felt an aura approach her. 'Hm... Trying to be sneaky...' She thought.

She waited until the person came within two feet before turning slowly with a smile. "Welcome home, Kazuma."

The other man stared down at his wife with wide eyes. He was the best warrior of the clan and had learned to hide his chi so well. How was it that she always caught him sneaking up on her? He released a breath and laughed whole heartedly. "How do you do that, Saki?"

She closed her eyes mysteriously. "I am the great priestess after all. Magic and prayers are what I do."

He sat beside his wife, kissing her chastely before turning to where her eyes were. "He is still going at it again is he?"

"I asked him to show me a little but I think he's in his own world now."

"He does that, doesn't he?"

"Every time."

Saki concentrated her energy on Kyo. 'Look who has come home, Kyo-kun.' She said to him telepathically. Kyo threw out his last punch before realizing there were two sets of eyes watching him now. He looked up to see that his father had arrived home. His entire young mind went off like light bulbs.

"Father! Welcome home!" Kyo cried rushing over to his father. "Were you watching?"

Kazuma nodded. "Ah, you are really a fine warrior. You are bound to protect these lands some day."

"Like you?" Kyo asked excitedly.

"Better."

Kyo swelled with pride. In times of peace he wanted to hold onto these memories forever.


Like most stories, it wasn't happy through and through. Eventually the Kingdom of Uflomi entered war with a neighboring Kingdom of Poro. The two kingdoms fought over the river that lay between them, and who would hold control over it. Uflomi wanted to share it by trading off from month to month of who would monopolize the river, but Poro simply wanted it all. The Kingdoms eventually came upon war conflicts.

Kyo, now fifteen years old, watched as his father commanded the platoon. He sat off to the side of the group, his sword kneeling on his shoulder while he leaned against the wall. He'd grown considerably with his bright orange hair now dimming into a more rusty tangerine color and his body laced with muscles from much training in martial arts and swordsmanship. Amber eyes still pure and true.

"Word is that Poro has demanded this war come to an end by throwing a surprise attack at the western boundary line. The messenger informed me of this crucial information only minutes ago and he must act quickly. Their attack is to hit at dawn. We are going to intervene them and save the outskirt village." Kazuma began forming the teams and sending them to locations to put his plan into motion as Saki entered the room without announcement. Her eyes were tired and weak.

"Saki!" Kazuma said surprised to see his wife at the meeting. "Darling, please go back..."

Saki shook her head while almost falling into the room. "Mother!" Kyo yelled, running over to catch his mother before she fell on her face. He turned her over, pulling her hair away from her face. "Mother!"

"I'm okay." She looked at Kazuma warmly, her husband only watching her with worry. "Really, I'll be fine."

"Priestess Sohma, what are you doing here?" One of the officers asked. "This is no place for a woman."

"Silence!" Kazuma commanded, his voice suddenly sharp as a razor blade. The room fell silent. He knelt down to his wife and child. "What is it, Saki?" He asked in a softer tone.

She held up her prayer beads. "Let me ask the Gods for your safety in battle."

Kyo watched as his father nodded, and helped her on her feet. Ever since the war began, his mother had begun to show signs of weakness and illness. She would spontaneously collapse in the middle of prayer, or have coughing fits frequently. Kyo blamed it on the war, but Kazuma promised his son Saki was fine, she was just under great stress from having to perform many ceremonies during this time of despair. Still, Kyo didn't like it.

Saki took in a deep breath as the gentlemen kneeled down for her blessings. She began her chanting while moving her arms as if spreading her wishes over their heads before twirling around in some type of slow rhythmic dance. Kyo watched in fascination as glittering lights fell from the ceiling and disappearing before hitting the men on the shoulders. All his years he'd never seen his mother perform a prayer like this one. Then again, he'd never been in a war time either. His mother threw her hands up one last time and then clasped the beads to her chest, closing her eyes as if she was in pain.

"Saki!" Kazuma cried as he began to get up from his kneeling position.

"No, darling, I'm... I'm okay." She looked down at her husband sitting at her feet as her lips curled slightly. "I give you my prayers."

Kyo went to help his mother stand while all the men got up from the ground and bowed to the priestess.

"Thank you." They said in unison. Kazuma allowed for his men to go to their posts as he stayed back with his wife and child. His eyes were filled with concern and his features looked almost sad.

"You need to rest. I know prayers are important but you will not get better."

"It's my job."

"And it's mine to protect you."

Saki stared at her husband and nodded her head. She loved him so much. She only wished she could give him more. "Come back safe." She finally said sending out warm magic over her husband.

Kazuma felt her powers flicker within her and it was all he could bear before he took hold of her from his son's arms and kissed her with his whole being. It was quite improper to show such emotion in front of his men to be kissing the high priestess as he did, but he didn't care. For some reason, he felt he needed to comfort her, to reassure her everything would be okay. Saki only leaned into his touch and wrapped her one arms around his larger frame. 'I love you,' she said for only him to hear.

Kyo looked away as his parents kissed. He knew his father loved his mother very much, but his sudden rash actions made even Kyo blush. Sometimes he didn't understand why they suddenly had to kiss like they did. His mother told him the highest prayer anyone could offer was one of love. He'd trust his mother since she was endowed with such a great power.

Kazuma and Saki finally came up for air, his mother looking as if she was on the brink of tears. Kazuma stared down at her small frame, brushing hair from her pale face. She closed her eyes.

"I'll come home."

"And I will welcome you with open arms."

Kazuma smiled and kissed her one more time on the forehead before walking toward his sword and picking up the heavily worn weapon. He began for the door when Kyo turned on him with narrowed eyes.

"Father! Let me go with you!"

Kazuma stopped and stared at the young teen. "No, son, I can't let you."

"I want to protect the people of this land too! I want to be with you, Father, I want to help. Please, please let me."

"I know it means very much to you, but I need you to stay here. To protect those closest to you." Kazuma watched as Kyo's innocent eyes looked up at him in wonder. "You don't have to go very far to protect those in need." His eyes shifted to the side of his head where Saki was standing quietly behind him. Kyo's eyes moved to where Kazuma was looking and he got the message. He released a sigh and nodded.

"I understand."

Kazuma grunted and put a hand to Kyo's shoulder. "You are a good man, son. Take care of your mother in my absence."

"Okay!"

'Surely,' Kyo thought as his mother and him watched his father ride away on a chestnut brown horse, 'Father will come back, smiling with honor. Until then, I will keep protecting those I love...' Kazuma left the main gates as an army of men followed his lead. Kyo once again swelled with pride for his father and the respect his country men gave him. 'Someday, I want to be just like him...'

"I don't know about that. Perhaps, you'd exceed your father one day."

Kyo went beat red at having his inner thoughts being read. "Mother! Don't get into my head like that!" Kyo complained.

Saki only smiled as her son stalked into the house grumbling about his mother's magic. She watched him for a moment seeing him smile so happily. As Kyo grew older his boyish smile really brightened up his face making him not look like the prince of Uflomi but a normal warrior training to become just like his father.

She began to follow Kyo into the house, her small smile fading away and she tried to hide her ragged cough. She could feel her powers slowly draining from her. In fact when she read Kyo's mind, it was only a faint whisper, not as clear as she used to hear his voice...

She blinked a few times trying to control her breathing patterns. She couldn't be ill in a time like this but she knew it was her time. The premonition she received not too long ago was going to come true. Staring out at the afternoon sunset, it glared an angry red with waves of golden light illuminating the scene. Saki only wished she could do more than wait till the hour of her demise.

'It'll be alright,' she comforted herself as she sat down at a prayer mat in the prayer room. She lit a candle and bowed to their ancestors before pulling out her prayer beads, staring at them fondly. She didn't want it to end this way, but she knew it her destiny. Everything she'd taught, everything she prayed, she hoped it would pass onto her only son. She looked up at the altar while clutching the beads in her hands. She wasn't afraid. She must carry on until that hour. 'And besides,' she concluded with a little heartache, 'Kazuma will be here for Kyo-kun. They will be okay...'


Kyo watched as a servant approached the prayer room with a tray of tea. "Is that for my mother-- I mean, the high priestess?" Kyo asked. The servant nodded a yes to the young master. "Can I carry it in for her?" Kyo asked.

"Well, I might be scolded, Young Master Sohma..."

"No, I won't tell." Kyo shifted his sheathed sword to the side to move it from his way. "I just want an excuse to see mother in her prayer time."

The servant reluctantly gave the tray to Kyo and made his way back to the kitchen. Kyo stared down at the tea cup and saw a reflection of him in it. His face so young, eyes of innocence, and thin lips forming in a straight line. When his father told him to protect his mother, Kyo knew it was an excuse to make him stay home, but he carried on the duty as if his life depended on it. Not only his, but his mother's as well. If another warrior came and attacked the main house, Kyo would be there to defend it. He wouldn't be beaten.

He heard his mother cough in the room right next to him. He could protect her from anything but her illness. Why was she becoming so weak? He tentatively knocked on the door wondering if Saki would shoo him away.

"I'm coming in, Mother. I have tea for you." Kyo entered the room without another word and sat down in the far corner just has he had done as a child. He watched his mother sit in silence, not going through her regular prayer routine. It was odd to watch her so unmoving and still, just staring blankly at the altar while holding her prayer beads. Kyo looked away, finding it odd how still and quiet she was.

He began to pour the tea.

He knelt before his mother and placed the tea cup near her. "It will be good for your throat."

Saki turned her head slowly to Kyo and Kyo felt her dempa concentrate on him, almost forcing him to stay attentive to his mother's glowing eyes. "Darling, what do you see in the future?"

"Hua?"

"Tell me..."

Kyo laughed, breaking some of the heavy air in the room. "Mother, why ask me such an odd question? You more than anyone know what is to come in the future."

"I know not the details, just the main idea of the future. Tell me."

Kyo listened to the steady quiet tone of his mother and placed his hands on his knees, thinking. "Well, I think I see that you and Father see this war through and then when the day comes, Father will pass his legacy down to me. You, Mother, will live comfortably with Father and spend your time in the garden that you love so much." Kyo looked down with a small smile. "Teasing me and getting into my head like you do."

"And yourself, Kyo-kun? What do you see?"

"Um... well, I'd become the king of Uflomi I suppose." The very thought never crossed his mind and it suddenly sounded like such a heavy weight on his shoulders.

Saki sat quiet before turning to Kyo. "You'd have to find a suitable wife, I suppose."

"U-um... yeah I guess so, hua?"

Saki smiled. "I foresee you finding your true love in the near future, Kyo-kun. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"What the heck? Are you serious? Mother, I'm not even thinking...!"

"But she is not whom you think she is... perhaps she is a servant in princess clothes? She wanted to be saved though..." Saki's smile once again faded and she began coughing once again. Kyo watched as his mother fell forward, catching herself as her body racked with coughing fits.

"M-Mother! Mother are you...?" Kyo gasped at seeing a small amount of blood splattered on the tatami mat below her. "What the hell?" He quickly threw his hand over is mouth knowing his mother did not approve of vulgar language.

"Kyo-kun, I won't lie to you," Saki said wiping the small amount of blood she'd coughed up. "Darling, I'm dying."

Kyo's entire body froze, his pupils shrunk to the size of an ink blot. A cold shiver ran up his spine and he almost couldn't breathe. His mother, the high priestess, was dying? "Why hadn't any of the doctors said anything?"

"I made them promised me... they wouldn't tell."

Quiet filled the room as Kyo's fists shook at his sides. The tea sat between them, long forgotten as Kyo's head lowered. "How long?"

"What?"

"How long did you know?" He looked up with angry eyes. "When were you planning on telling Father? He will be heartbroken, Mother! Heart broken!"

Saki had tears stinging her eyes but she refused to let them fall. She promised herself she'd be strong until her last moment. "I've known... since the beginning of the war."

"Damnit!"

"Kyo-kun!" Saki reprimanded.

Kyo looked away. He knew something was wrong with her since the war started! She had a premonition of her death but didn't want to worry anyone about it. His mother... his one and only mother.

"How long do... do you have?" Kyo asked afraid to hear the answer. He felt like a horrible child, never knowing when his mother's last breath could have been. For all he knew, she could have died last week.

"I don't know, but Kyo-kun," Saki turned her son's head towards her, a soft smile playing at her delicately painted lips, "I will always be in you. You and your father will be alright."

"Did you foresee that, Mother? That Father and I... will be okay?" Saki paused with sad eyes. "Did you?"

"...No, but I know it..."

Kyo's chest tightened and he refused to cry. Saki saw his pain and she instantly went to hug the fifteen year old. "Shh, don't cry. Mother is still here with you."

The tears fell like the world had poured all the oceans and rivers into Kyo's body. He gripped her tightly, his face burning with sadness. How were you supposed to react to that? How do you react to the fact your mother was going to die? "I don't want to lose you! Mother, please!"

"You won't. I'll always be within you, Kyo. You have my spirit with you." She felt Kyo's tears eventually die and she pulled away from him, pushing stray hairs from his wet eyes. "Now, come and dry your eyes. Your father would hate to come home and see his son blubbering like a small child, don't you think? Go, go protect the house."

Kyo nodded silently, still heavy with grief. "Will you be okay?"

"Of course, silly. I'll be right where you left me." Kyo still hesitated at the door. Saki got up from her seat and went to her son's side. Since when did he become so tall? Taller than her? She opened her palm to take Kyo's hand in hers. As he placed his hand into her smaller one, she placed her prayer beads into his.

"M-Mother, these are your beads!"

"Keep them. It will be alright. These are just for safe keeping okay? You'll give them back to me when your father returns home. Just keep praying that he comes home safe."

Kyo rolled the beads in his hands and nodded. He hugged his mother and stepped out into the cool night air.

It was only beginning.


Kyo sat outside the prayer room around ten at night. He was dreadfully bored and wished to be doing something productive with his time. He began dozing when he heard an anguish cry from the kitchen. Like a rubber band, he snapped up, alert and ready with his hand at the hilt of his sword. He heard another cry and he took off in that direction with narrowed eyes.

"How did they get into the main house?" He wondered aloud. He came into the kitchen to see two ninjas taking out the servants like nothing, like their lives were so easy to take.

"It's the young prince!" One of the masked men said. The other charged Kyo with full force, but Kyo easily dodged him. Suddenly he felt someone kick him under the legs, forcing him onto the floor.

"Ugh!" He fell on his back and caught view of a shiny metal coming straight to his heart. He rolled out of the way just as the sword pierced the wooden floors and Kyo charged at them, killing one of the men. As he heard the sound of flesh being torn and the man crying out in anguish, Kyo's stomach dropped.

He'd killed a man.

As the corpse fell to the floor the other ninja watched with wide eyes. "I'll kill you son of a bitch!"

Kyo, still in his wild frenzy backed away, almost afraid of the dead body spazing in the middle of the kitchen. His eyes focused on the other ninja and he had enough sense to put his metal sheath up and protect himself. The ninja threw a kunai at Kyo's leg, grazing his inner thigh as Kyo's eyes fell back on the body still twitching violently on the floor.

He rolled out of the way of the other ninja before the man in black threw another kunai, getting Kyo on his left side, making the teen cry out in pain.

"You're so weak, young prince! Hahaha!" The ninja pulled from his back a shorter sword and he held it up like a dagger. With a battle cry he ran it straight down at Kyo's face. The boy wasn't stupid though. "Kill or be killed!" The ninja continued. Kyo's eyes narrowed and he finally retained his focus. He flipped backwards and kicked the short sword out of the man's hand, unarming him. Just before the ninja realized he'd lost his weapon Kyo drove the sword into his gut, holding the man there for a moment. What seemed like more than a few seconds, Kyo released the man from his hold and forcefully pulled the bloody sword from his gut causing the ninja to lose blood at a rapid rate as he died. Kyo stared down at the two bodies he'd killed and the four others the ninjas had originally killed.

He couldn't believe he'd killed a man... so easily.

Was this bad?

Did he do the right thing?

He glanced down at his blood soaked sword and shivered again. It felt like the devil himself had implanted a monster within him. It scared him. Looking down at his sword his eyes traced their way to his wrist where his mother's prayer beads lay wrapped around. His eyes widened at the thought of leaving his mother and he rushed back to the prayer room.

"Mother! Mother, are you okay?" With quick reflexes he reached for the door and pulled at the handle. It was a good thing his mother never locked the prayer room door.

His heart dropped when it didn't budge.


Saki sat in the quiet darkness as she continued to pray relentlessly. "It's my last wish to serve this county well." She whispered to herself. Looking up she watched the smoke from the candle slowly move to the ceiling like waves. "What can I do?"

"That's simple."

Saki's eyes darted around the rather dark room to find no one there. She saw Kyo's silhouette run from the door and Saki spun around to stare at the altar. "Who's there?"

Suddenly it looked as if a portal had opened before her and a hand extended. "My name is irrelevant to you, but you, Priestess Sohma, have run out of time."

"No," Saki's eyes widened as the hand formed a ball of white light. "No, not like this!" Her heart beat frantically. It was a priestess with great power, but with Saki's illness, she knew she couldn't put up an equal fight against the healthier of the two. The light grew brighter and suddenly formed into a bow and arrow. Saki unsteadily got up and ran for the door when it locked by the priestess' will. She kept running toward it, hoping Kyo would return to her. "Kyo-kun! Kyo-kun, help!" She cried.

Turning around to stare at the bow and arrow, she saw the hand will them to be released, the arrow shooting straight at Saki. She placed her hands up in front of her and a shield blocked the arrow from hitting her. The smallest shield sapped much of her energy and the woman began coughing again.

"I'm sorry priestess," the voice said. "But you must be beat."

Sweat began to form at Saki's forehead as she caught a glimpse of Kyo's shadow reappearing at the door. It took all her might to scream out her son's name one more time as she could feel the bow and arrow preparing another attack.

"Kyo!"

The arrow was shot.

Kyo got fed up with the door and with his sword cut the door know cleanly in half before bursting into the room at hearing his mother's cries for him to come to her.

"Mother! Mother! Mo--"

Just as Kyo thought he made it, he watched in horror as an arrow pierced his mother's tender flesh right through her heart, her head being thrown back and her eyes widening with her mouth slightly gaping. He watched in slow motion as her body came tumbling down and he caught her by the armpits, watching Saki's face contort into distressed features, almost as if gasping for air while underwater.

His voice was high and shrill as he screamed out in terror and sadness, clutching his mother to him and screaming her name over and over. He left her momentarily and with his sword ran at the portal planning on destroying whatever that thing was. While panting he looked up to see the hand fazed away and the portal disappeared quickly, he in turn cutting nothing but air. He screamed again, angry, and dropped his sword to run to Saki's side.

"Mother! Mother, oh God, please, are you still..."

"Kyo-kun..." Saki said weakly. She opened her eyes, and frowned while tears escaped her dim violet eyes, blood pooling around her and staining everything. "I'm sorry."

"No! No, don't apologize! We'll call the doctor and you'll be alight! You'll be alright! Mother, they'll make you better!"

Saki shook her head no and Kyo clenched his teeth tighter, trying to choke back tears. "Take... care of yourself... and Father... my love." Suddenly her eyes stopped blinking and her body went limp in Kyo's arms.

He paused in his grieving to stare at her still body. He sniffled and shook her gently while staring at her face for any reaction as her eyes remain open, staring into space. "Mother? Mother!" He began to shake her violently. "Mother, wake up! WAKE UP!"

He knew she wouldn't, but he couldn't believe she was gone. He'd failed. He couldn't protect his mother like his father asked him to. He felt his heart crush as he cried for his mother, dropped her body to the floor gently as he cried like he never had in his entire life.

Suddenly he looked up to see a strange man watching him from the doorway. The man watched with sorrow and Kyo was glad to see another man feeling mournful for the loss of his mother. He nodded in gratitude but watched in disgust as the man's frown turned into a wicked smile and he began cackling while a small group of men joined in the laughter.

"So the great priestess is dead, eh? Well," the man snapped his fingers as two of his men hauled a dead body over to Kyo and threw the corpse face down, "the great warrior can join his wife in death! Haha!"

Kyo's stomach lurched as he stared at the back of a familiar head of silver stained with blood. "F-Father?" Kyo whispered seeing the body cold and still, just like his mothers. Kyo couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at Kazuma, his lower body sliced and his head crushed in as if tramped by a horse. His body contorted in awkward positions, Kyo would have never known it was his father if not for the silver head of hair. The boy covered his mouth and his breathing rate doubled ten fold. He only stared at the body; no tears falling from his already tear stained cheeks. What was there to cry for now? No one to share his sorrow.

Kyo slowly reached for his father's sword.

His parents...

Gone...


A blonde woman continued running toward the Kingdom of Uflomi. "Priestess, we're almost there!"

"Hurry, please, Uo!" The girl called from inside the carriage. Uo grunted and carried on when she came upon the sight of what looked like a battle field, bodies littering the ground like a blanket. She wanted to close her eyes and look away.

Uo came upon the main house and was surprised to see not a soul was rousing from the estate. She came to a stop and signaled to the priestess to wait in the carriage. Uo pulled from her back her wielding staff and carefully went forward.

"Who could kill so many men so close to the estate?" She felt something hard and round under her foot and paused to lift her foot up and look down.

There on the wet grass lay prayer beads.

She picked it up, examining the artifact before turning slowly to the left to see a young man under a cherry tree, holding a woman's body while panting. His hands were bloodied, his eyes dancing with a demon's look, and his breathing erratic. He didn't even seem to notice Uo standing there as he spaced out, clutching a royal looking sword. Did he kill all these people?

"Hey, hey kid."

"Rah!" Kyo's eyes zoned in on Uo and he sent a wind slash cut at her, making the girl jump out of the way.

"You crazy bastard! I'll teach you!" She flexed her staff and prepared to attack before a hand stopped her. Uo looked down from beneath her perching position on a tree to see the young priestess holding a hand up for her to stop while her gaze was set on Kyo. "Priestess Honda, I told you to stay...!"

"Please, Uo let me handle this."

Uo watched as the priestess walked over to Kyo, her charms jangling slightly with every step she took closer to the mad man.

She came within two yards of the warrior and stopped, staring at his face. He looked so warn, so distant, like something she'd see on an older veteran of war days. She raised a hand to Kyo and closed her eyes. "Don't be afraid." She said as Kyo's eyes slowly traced up to see the young woman.

"Get away from me!" He cried throwing another slash. The girl forced an extreme amount of power at him, forcing him to fly feet away from her and his mother's corpse. He looked up to see the stranger girl kneeling over Saki's unmoving body. "Don't touch her! Don't!" He cried running at the strange girl. "She didn't do anything, leave her alone! Leave her!" He sobbed with all the fury he could muster as he ran toward his mother's body. The girl lifted her hand again to constrain Kyo against the cherry tree as he struggled to get free. "I said don't get near her, you bitch!"

The girl ignored Kyo's threats and placed her hand on Saki's head for a moment before sweeping her hand across her eyes to close them. She stood up with a smile that easily went to a frown. She began walking to the constrained young man. His soul was so pure but now so confused and hurt. His eyes saw the cruelties of war, innocence leaving them forever. Sorrow a fifteen year old like herself shouldn't be holding.

"Let me go!" Kyo ordered.

Tohru raised her hand and suddenly the hold on him dropped and Kyo fell to the ground before this strange girl. She bent down to his level, catching his amber eyes, able to read all he'd seen. She smiled suddenly, making Kyo stop and stare at the beautiful woman.

"I know the pain you've seen and gone through. Your mother's prayer was sent to me and I've responded to it, coming to aid you. She does not want to see you suffer like so, she does not want to see you kill with such hatred." Kyo looked down at the floor. "I believe your father wished the same as well." He continued to stare at the floor as she stood up and lead Kyo to his mother's body. "It's okay to grieve for them. Their sprits wish you well. The war has ended. I have stopped the enemy armies from attacking any further and the river has no custody. It is to be used by all." She stepped away from Kyo to give him space.

Kyo stared at his mother, her eyes now closed and his eyes dilated and he dropped to his knees.

It was over.


Kyo's body ached as did his heart as he lay down in his futon, watched over by this odd girl from out of the blue. She was dressed in ceremonial robes similar to his mother's except hers were a very light indigo color with charms that jangled at the ends. This girl couldn't be any older than him.

She dressed his wounds and quietly hummed while doing so. She had a servant bring his food and she performed a prayer over his body.

He was silent the entire time, not sure what to say after his entire ordeal. He poked at his untouched meal without a word and laid down while the girl pulled the sheets up to his chin and sat back on her heels to watch him for the time.

"Sleep. It will be good for you. If you'd like, I'll perform a prayer for the land to regrow and for the people to begin a new."

"...Thank you."

She nodded while folding her hands on her lap. Kyo stared down at the blankets, not looking her in the eye. Thoughts ran through his head, tiredness seeping through his body. He didn't know if he could sleep though.

"Who are you?" He finally asked.

The girl turned her head, the slight bell sound from her clothes chiming again. She smiled. "I am priestess Tohru Honda of Sumomo Kingdom. I am sent here by High Priestess Sohma to watch over you."

"...Why?" He ventured.

The priestess only answered without complaint, "she sent word to me that she felt as though I needed to help you do something. She was not sure what herself, but seeing the ordeal you went through, I think being here to try and help is enough."

"I see..."

"Is it working?" She asked with a small amount of cheer.

Kyo thought a moment and finally looked up at Tohru. Her pools of blue watched him calmly as she tilted her head slightly. In a way he was glad to have a companion. After seeing so much blood and sorrow he wasn't sure he'd ever see something so pure and angelic ever again. He finally nodded his head. "Yes... thank you."

"And, sir, your name? Prince Kyo Sohma, what would you like me to call you?"

"Kyo is fine..."

"I see." Tohru paused. "Please sleep, tomorrow will be another day. I will help you as long as you need my assistance, Kyo-san."

Kyo closed his eyes and tried to relax but images ran through his mind, red everywhere.

Tohru watched his eyebrows furrow together and a frown still make its way on his features. 'To see him smile again...'

She pulled from her side Kazuma's cleaned sword wrapped in fine silk and Saki's prayer beads, and laid them next to Kyo's futon quietly. She raised her hand while making a prayer for the family. She began to hum an old tune that was sweet and comforting to Kyo's ears. It was a prayer to the day light, he knew. Slowly sleep began to come over his body, sweeping him from his nightmare reality...

Dreaming of his parents smiling.

To be continued...